PhD Position in Advanced Computational Design of Next-generation high-tech systems

Create new topology and system optimization methods for high-tech equipment.

In the high-tech and semiconductor equipment industry, each next generation of systems must meet more stringent demands in terms of speed, accuracy, efficiency and reliability. Moreover, the operation of such equipment involves multiple disciplines: structural dynamic and thermal performance as well as  control aspects must be considered, which makes the design process very challenging. For this reason, this project aims at developing advanced computational design approaches for high-tech applications. This involves building on techniques for advanced component design such as topology optimization, and extending these by accounting for multi-disciplinary aspects such as controller-structure interaction, thermomechanical coupling and other dynamic effects. Moreover, this project aims to also include system-level architectural design choices into the computational design process. Think of the placement and sizing of actuators, sensors or cooling channels. This opens the door to the design of advanced systems that exploit oversensing and overactuation to reach unprecedented performance levels. This project forms part of the ‘NextGen HighTech’ programme and involves multiple prominent high-tech companies. Next to design method development, realization of a hardware demonstrator also forms part of the project.  

• An MSc degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or equivalent), obtained within the last 4 years.
• Strong academic credentials relevant to this PhD project, evidenced e.g. by good grades on numerical modeling, optimization, mechatronic system design, control theory and/or related subjects.
• Experience with at least two of the following is highly desired: structural (topology) optimization, system-level optimization, multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO), finite element modeling, control theory. Please mention your relevant experience clearly in your application letter.
• Good communication, writing and programming skills.
• You take initiative, are eager to learn, have a drive for excellence, and enjoy to develop yourself through both academic challenges as well as through direct interaction with experts from industry.  

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 .

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 € 2770 per month in the first year to € 3539 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 a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service . This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme  for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

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!

From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

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

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Matthijs Langelaar ([email protected] ).     

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply by 24 March 2024 via the application button and upload your motivation and CV.

For information about the application procedure, please contact Linda Verhaar ([email protected] ).

Notes:
- You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
- Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.