2x PhD position on the design and fabrication of MEMS flow sensors and microphones

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32 days remaining

2x PhD position on the design and fabrication of MEMS flow sensors and microphones

Deadline Published Vacancy ID 2310
Apply now
32 days remaining

Academic fields

Engineering

Job types

PhD

Education level

University graduate

Weekly hours

40 hours per week

Salary indication

€3059—€3381 per month

Location

Drienerlolaan 5, 7522NB, Enschede

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Job description

In the Integrated Devices and Systems (IDS) group, we will start two new research projects on the design, fabrication, and characterisation of MEMS devices.

The first project will focus on a new type of gas flow sensor that is based on the deformation of integrated mechanical structures due to the forces exerted by the gas flow through the silicon chip. By combining such sensors with thermal flow sensors on a single chip, we expect that, besides mass flow, many relevant gas parameters can be measured like thermal conductivity, density, specific heat, and dynamic viscosity.

The second project will focus on a new type of MEMS microphones, specifically aiming at acoustic monitoring applications that require ultra low power operation.

In both projects we will work closely together with experts in electronic circuit design to realize the electronic interfacing for the sensors, in case of the flow sensors with the Electronic Instrumentation Lab at the TU Delft, and in case of the microphones with the IC Design group at the University of Twente.

The main tasks are:
  • The design and modelling of the new sensor topologies
  • Development of the MEMS fabrication processes
  • Fabrication of the sensor chips in the MESA+ cleanroom
  • Evaluation of the resulting performance
  • Development of the required interface electronics in cooperation with our partners.
  • Various teaching activities in your field of expertise may take up to 20% of your time.

The candidates should have a background in electrical engineering, nanotechnology, applied physics, or mechanical engineering, with excellent theoretical and experimental skills, and preferably with experience in mechanical design, finite element modelling, and cleanroom fabrication of MEMS devices.

Requirements

  • You are highly motivated and an enthusiastic researcher.
  • You have a MSc degree in electrical engineering, nanotechnology, applied physics, mechanical engineering or a related field, with excellent theoretical and experimental skills.
  • You have experience in the design of (micro)mechanical structures and the use of FEM software.
  • You have shown affinity with silicon microfabrication technology in a cleanroom environment, electronics, MEMS and/or sensors
  • You have good team spirit and like to work in an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented environment.
  • You are fluent in English in both speaking and writing.

Conditions of employment

  • As a PhD candidate at UT, you will be appointed to a full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year, within a very stimulating and exciting scientific environment.
  • The University offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues.
  • Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).
  • You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 3.059,- (first year) to € 3.881,- (fourth year);
  • There are excellent benefits, including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
  • The flexibility to work (partially) from home.
  • A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
  • Free access to sports facilities on campus
  • A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid);
  • 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.
  • We encourage a high degree of responsibility and independence, while collaborating with close colleagues, researchers and other staff.

Department

The IDS group belongs to the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, and Computer Science. The research group studies electronic and electromechanical components and develops new concepts for nanoscale materials, devices and systems using nano- and microfabrication techniques. One ambition of the IDS group is to combine its experience in both semiconductor and MEMS technologies to design, fabricate and characterize novel smart sensing devices.

IDS contributes to the MESA+ Institute and has a strong track record in knowledge transfer to the semiconductor and sensor industry. MESA+ is the largest research institute of the University of Twente. The institute trains graduate students and PhD-students and conducts research in the fields of nanotechnology, microsystems, materials science and microelectronics. Unique of MESA+ is its multidisciplinary composition.

Additional information

Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before 12 January 2026, and include:
  • A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of all courses attended and grades obtained, and, if applicable, a list of publications and references.
  • A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4), emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications, and motivations to apply for one of these positions. Please also indicate in which position you are interested.

For more information regarding these positions, you are welcome to contact dr. ir. R.J. Wiegerink at R.J.Wiegerink@utwente.nl.

Screening is part of the selection process.

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