The Department of Precision and Microsystems Engineering (PME) at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is opening two tenure track assistant professor positions (f/m), to complement, extend and strengthen the Department’s competence in the field of manufacturing of micro and nano-enabled devices and systems.

Manufacturing is at the core of industrial activity and societal welfare. Manufacturing has matured for many domains, e.g. for the mechanical engineering or the semiconductor industry, where repeatable production of goods is everyday’ s practice. At the (very) small length scale, the situation is different. New generations of hybrid materials and devices are emerging, where small-scale effects are exploited for novel products and functions. Examples are high-sensitivity and small-footprint sensor systems based on nanomaterials (particles, rods/tubes, graphene), surface-embedded nanotopography-based functions (controlled wetting, optical interactions), and 3D hierarchical materials (mechanical metamaterials, smart scaffolds for cell and tissue science and engineering). These new opportunities are mainly explored in research laboratories, with a focus on studying phenomena on the basis of carefully designed and built research samples. To create impact in society and industry, the field needs to make the transition to applications and repeatable manufacturing. This will require a new engineering and manufacturing knowledge and technology foundation. The development of this foundation needs to take place in a context which links innovative, micro/nano-enabled functions or properties for current and future applications to potentially scalable and hybrid nanomanufacturing.

Within this context, the Department offers the current open positions. The Department has a strong basis in (numerical) design methods, modelling, dynamics, micro and nano technology, and operates in the precision engineering high-tech precision engineering and health domain. The offered positions are defined with a broad scope, we seek complementarity and reinforcement of the current team. We expect successful candidates to establish a research program linking micro/nano manufacturing and engineering to breakthrough applications in e.g. industry and healthcare. An increasingly important aspect is sustainability. This may be focused on the manufacturing process itself, or on the manufacturing of devices in material systems that are intrinsically sustainable, e.g. manufacture of sensor devices or implants in eco-friendly or bio-degradable materials for agri/food.

Successful candidates will lead research and education activities in one or more of the following or related themes:

• Processes for material removal, addition, or modification at the (very) small scale, for example (but not restricted to) 3D micro/nano printing of multi-material structures, laser-based processes, or nano-object assembly/arrangement.
• The development of innovative machine and tool concepts to advance nano-scale manufacturing processes
• Creating a breakthrough for nano-enabled functionalities and systems, e.g. in sensing, smart materials, or healthcare supporting devices
• Sustainable nanomanufacturing, manufacturing of nano-scale functionality in sustainable materials.

Applicants should have the following qualifications::

• PhD degree and expertise in a field relevant for the position
• Collaborative attitude, eager to learn and improve
• Excellent researcher, as evidenced by appropriate track record
• Passion for teaching and interactive knowledge transfer
• Good international network, linking science to application
• Proficient in English.  

Fixed-term contract: Tenure Track.

We offer: 

• Collaborative atmosphere in our department with broad expertise range
• Independence and support for own research line
• Very well equipped lab with professional lab technicians
• Professional and personal development programs.

Conditions of employment

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners and a relocation compensation. 
Salary (ranges from 3.637 to 5.656 for Assistant Professor, from 5.039 to 6.738 for Associate Professor, and from 5.582 to 9.812 for Full Professor gross a month (full time based)) and the benefits of 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% end-of-year bonus on top of nominal salary and a minimum of 30 holidays per year, are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

TU Delft creates equal opportunities and encourages women to apply.

Technische Universiteit Delft

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

Delft University of Technology stands for diversity and inclusion. We endeavour to ensure that everyone who studies or works here feels at home and can bring out the best in themselves. Considering the current composition of the PME department, female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply to the present vacancies.

Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

The 3mE Faculty trains committed engineering students, PhD candidates and post-doctoral researchers in groundbreaking scientific research in the fields of mechanical, maritime and materials engineering. 3mE is the epitome of a dynamic, innovative faculty, with an international scope that contributes demonstrable economic and social benefits. 

The Department of Precision and Microsystems Engineering (PME) carries out research and provides education in the field of high-tech systems and scientific instrumentation. We aim to solve fundamental questions in engineering science and develop design methods to advance the performance of precision systems and medical instruments and devices. Our specific mission is to merge mechanical engineering concepts with micro and nanoscience. We deliver skilled professionals and contribute knowledge to support leadership of the high-tech systems industry.