The market for electronic chips remains increasing, electronic functionality is part of all devices and products around us. In the manufacturing of electronic packages, machines are used to assemble (pick-and-place, bond and interconnect) chips. Although the performance of these machines is impressive, there is a need to increase the speed by a factor of 10-100. At the same time, machines must become “green”: use less energy, and have a small footprint. The bottleneck is in the mechanical part of the assembly machine.

In this large direct collaborative project with the Dutch company Nexperia we research new generations of chip assembly methods to achieve these challenging goals.

The current positions (3) focus on developing self-assembly processes, non-contact transfer processes, and massively parallel processes. As a PhD researcher you will investigate, design and test innovative physics-based techniques for faster chip handling and accurate placement. You will numerically model these techniques, and design and build experimental setups to demonstrate that they can lead to breakthrough performance in next-generation chip assembly machines. 
You will be part of a team of 6 PhD and 2 postdoc researchers, that works together with staff scientists and engineers at TU Delft and the company Nexperia. Each of the researchers will work on a dedicated part of the project, while at the same time closely collaborating with the rest of the team to ensure all parts will eventually fit together to realize all the steps that need to be performed in the chip-assembly process.

The collaboration both with a team of fellow researchers, and with a high-tech company that is a world leader in its business, will give you the unique opportunity to learn a lot and contribute to a next generation of machines that will improve the assembly speed and reduce the environmental impact of hundreds of billions of future chips.

Department
The Department of Precision and Microsystems Engineering (PME) of the 3mE faculty focuses on developing knowledge and methods for small, innovative, high-precision devices and systems, such as scientific instrumentation and biomimetic platforms for the molecular diagnostics and high-tech industry. Increasing miniaturization and functionality along with improving sensitivity, speed and reliability are the key topics in our work.
The vacant position is in the Dynamics of Micro and Nanosystems (DMN) section. The group focuses on exploiting the dynamics and mechanics of small scale systems to create new platforms in the fields of scientific instrumentation, healthcare and consumer electronics. Our research topics span from measuring and manipulating (bio)materials at the micro and nano scale, to the design of reliable MEMS and NEMS sensors and actuators.  

We are looking for candidates who:

• Have a MSc. degree in micro/nano engineering, mechanical or mechatronic engineering, applied physics, electrical engineering or related fields.
• Have knowledge on micro-scale physics and technology. Having knowledge specifically on innovative methods for assembly at the small length-scale is an advantage.
• Have experience with designing, building and controlling electromechanical systems.
• Like to design and realize optical/vision/sensor systems for controlled and automated processes.
• Are able to develop numerical models of physical processes and validate such models through experiments.
• Come up with creative new solutions for dealing with the diverse challenges that accompany the accurate and fast manipulation of microchips.
• Are team players who like to collaborate with colleagues from university and industry.
• Are enthusiastic to work on cool, ground-breaking technology with the aim to revolutionize future chip production methods.
• A strong command of the English language and good communication skills are also required.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

TU Delft offers PhD-candidates a 4-year contract, with an official go/no go progress assessment after one year. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2434 per month in the first year to € 3111 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 and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

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? This video will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.