A PhD position is available at the chair of Precision Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering Technology of the University of Twente.

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join our team in developing mechanical alignment structures for photonic integrated circuits. Your work will contribute towards efficient chip-to-chip coupling, chip-to-wafer coupling and experimental testing strategies.

You will become part of a team working on the development of various technologies for the alignment and coupling of integrated photonics. In particular, this PhD position is about efficient passive alignment of photonics chips. Your tasks in the project will range from the design of micro-mechanical kinematic couplings, on-chip mechanical features and flexure mechanisms for load application, to the characterization, tuning and experiment measurements of demonstrators. Your responsibilities involve opto-mechanical design of proof-of-principle demonstrators, simulations using advanced finite element and multibody software, and measurements in state-of-the-art laboratories.

This project leverages our expertise in the development of high-accuracy opto-mechatronics and flexure mechanism design. You will work with a consortium of industrial partners and other PhD students in the framework of the National Growth Fund NXTGEN HIGHTECH program. People involved in the project include scientific staff from both the Faculty of Engineering Technology and the Faculty of Science & Technology.

• An enthusiastic and highly motivated research attitude.
• A master’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related in mechatronic design.
• You have a creative mindset and excellent analytical and communication skills.
• You have a good team spirit and like to work in an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented environment.
• You have good English writing and presentation skills.

• We offer a four-year fulltime PhD position.
• We provide a stimulating, modern research environment with world-class research facilities. And we provide excellent mentorship and a stimulating research environment to accelerate your further professional and personal growth.
• A starting salary of € [GR1] 2.770,- gross per month in the first year and increasing to € [GR2] 3.539,- gross per month in the fourth year.
• An annual holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, and an annual year-end bonus 8,3 %.
• A solid pension scheme.
• Minimum of 40 leave days in case of full-time employment.
• The University of Twente is situated on a green and lively campus with lots of facilities for sports and other activities.
• You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision;

If you’re interested in this position, please send your application before 19 May 2024 through the link “Apply now”.

Your application should include:

• A cover letter (maximum 1 page A4) emphasizing why you are a good fit for this position.
• A detailed curriculum vitae with publications (if applicable).
• An academic transcript of BSc and MSc education with a course list and grades.
• A high TOEL score (> 90 or 100) or IELTS score (> 6.5 or 7) is generally required.

For questions about the vacancy and for more information, contact dr. M. Nijenhuis (m.nijenhuis@utwente.nl)

Short-listed candidates will be invited for an (online) interview, which will take place mid-June 2024.