PhD Position Integrated Topology and Controller optimization for Mechatronic positioning systems

Create record-breaking motion systems through integrated computational design.

Motion systems are used throughout the semiconductor and high-tech industry for fast and precise positioning in e.g. microscopes and chip production process. Motion system design unites structural dynamics, actuation, sensing and control. To achieve optimal performance of these mechatronic systems, this project aims to develop new computational design approaches where structure and controller design are integrated. Use of topology optimization and additive manufacturing allows for maximum geometric design freedom, and consideration of tailored damping material distribution is expected to raise the system performance to unprecedented levels. A foundation for integrated controller-structure optimization is in place from a previous project. Your challenge is to extend this towards more realistic control solutions and performance targets, and to develop a method to co-optimize a tailored and manufacturable damping layout.  While the main focus is on development of new computational design methods for motion systems, realization and validation of two full-scale hardware demonstrators, in close collaboration with industry partners, also forms an important part of this project.  

• An MSc degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or equivalent), obtained within the last 3 years.
• Strong academic credentials relevant to this PhD project, evidenced e.g. by strong grades on numerical modeling, optimization, mechatronic system design, control theory and/or related subjects.
• Experience with structural (topology) optimization is required. Knowledge of finite element modeling and control theory is desired.
• Good analytic and programming skills. Experience with Python and/or C++ is an asset.
• This PhD project involves high performance computing. Experience with parallel programming is an asset.
• You are a self-starting teamplayer with a drive for excellence, and enjoy working on industry-relevant technological challenges within an academic environment.

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 € 2541 per month in the first year to € 3247 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 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 3mE faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

3mE 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 3mE’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, Maritime and Materials 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 (m.langelaar@tudelft.nl ).

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply by October 15, 2023, via the application button and upload:

• your letter of application along with a detailed curriculum vitae,
• a motivation why the proposed research topic interests you,
• a list of publications (if applicable),
• the abstract and/or summary of your MSc thesis, your BSc and MSc course program and the corresponding marks,
• names and addresses of two to three reference persons,
• and all other information that might be relevant to your application. 

For information about the application procedure, please contact Linda Verhaar, HR advisor, recruitment-3mE@tudelft.nl .

Please note:

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

You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.