CONTEXT AND CHALLENGE

Hundreds of billions of electronic chips are manufactured each year and find their way to products and customers. Application fields include home and office electronics and ICT equipment, automotive, wearables and many other sectors. Assembly and packaging is the process to place, bond and electrically interconnect single chips into packages. Currently, the chip assembly process is done using sophisticated precision machines. The technology of these machines, however, is reaching limits, whereas significant improvement in throughput is required. To remain competitive in existing markets and to enter new extreme-volume markets, radically new assembly concepts and processes are needed. Moreover, new chip assembly processes must be sustainable, i.e. power and material consumption, as well as machine floor space consumption must be minimized.

RESEARCH

We set out to research new assembly processes. Challenges include extreme throughput (at least 10x better than with current machines), high precision chip positioning, small chip handling (<100 micrometre), and sustainability of assembly processes. Current assembly processes are based on fast moving machine structures and are contact-based; we aim for non-contact / soft-contact processes using physical effects and force fields that are relevant at the small length-scale (micro-scale). Example effects include use of fluid-structure interactions; use of surface modifications (topography, chemical); self-assembly; and highly-parallel micro-assembly processes.

You will study innovative assembly processes and explore and understand the underpinning physics. You will develop analytical or numerical models to gain systematic understanding and carry out experiments to verify the models, and quantify performance limits. You will be involved in the design, realisation and operation of experimental setups. You will explore the integration of new assembly processes into industrially viable chip assembly and packaging flows.

This PhD position is part of a large collaborative project with a forefront Dutch chip assembly company. This context offers you the benefit of working in a large and strong multi-disciplinary research team, and carry out research with a clear link to industrial relevance. The research will be performed at our highly-qualified laboratory facilities.     

We are looking for candidates who recognize themselves in one or more of the following:

• MSc degree in micro & nano engineering, applied physics, or mechanical / mechatronic engineering. Having knowledge of science and engineering at the small length-scale (micro-scale) is a benefit. Relevant subfields include (but not limited to) dynamics, micro-manufacturing, micro-assembly, precision- and micro-machines and robotics, fluid-structure interactions and surface engineering.
• Able to construct analytical and numerical models (e.g. COMSOL multiphysics or similar, and to combine modelling with experimental work.
• Experience in realizing and operating experimental setups is beneficial, e.g. skills in mechatronics and control, use of sensor and actuator systems, vision systems.
• Strong social and communication skills (personal and technical). This is essential given the multidisciplinary large team and the intensive collaboration with the industrial partner.
• Good command of English, written and spoken.     

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2541 per month in the first year to € 3247 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

The Faculty of 3mE carries out pioneering research, leading to new fundamental insights and challenging applications in the field of mechanical engineering. From large-scale energy storage, medical instruments, control technology and robotics to smart materials, nanoscale structures and autonomous ships. The foundations and results of this research are reflected in outstanding, contemporary education, inspiring students and PhD candidates to become socially engaged and responsible engineers and scientists. The faculty of 3mE is a dynamic and innovative faculty with an international scope and high-tech lab facilities. Research and education focus on the design, manufacture, application and modification of products, materials, processes and mechanical devices, contributing to the development and growth of a sustainable society, as well as prosperity and welfare.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.