PhD Position Reliability Analysis & Probabilistic Design of Actuators

Various industrial applications such as robotics, pharmaceutics, microelectronics and lithography present specific challenges in terms of precision motion systems. These relate often to the integration, miniaturization and operability in vacuum conditions of motion systems. In particular, increasingly strong requirements for high resolution and throughput of the high precision industry are asking for more reliable linear actuation systems. The throughput and the reliability of the actuators are heavily related to the force density which determines the stress levels and consequently the accelerated failure of the actuators.

REGENERATE (Reliable Next Generation Actuation Systems) is a multidisciplinary project that studies the main failure mechanisms of actuators, using models ranging from the atomistic to the mechanical scale combined with experimental measurements. The outcomes are used to improve future linear actuator systems and reliability at partners ASML and Tecnotion. Apart from ASML and Tecnotion, partners of REGENERATE consist of the Technical University of Eindhoven, the Center for Mathematics and Informatics of the Netherlands and the Technical University of Delft.

As member of the REGENERATE team, the PhD candidate at the TU Delft will conduct research in order to determining the likelihood of failure of motion systems with the consideration of the mechanical, thermal, and electromagnetic stressors upon the actuators at the design stage and during service life based on the observed health of the actuators. The results will be used to propose changes in the design and maintenance of the actuators that guarantee a target reliability.

The candidate will be based at the faculty of Civil Engineering and Geociences (CEG) of the TU Delft. Two different departments will be involved in this research: Materials, Mechanics, Management & Design (3MD) and Hydraulic Engineering (HE). Both departments have bast experience in the application of advanced probabilistic methods for the calculation of reliability of components or complex systems for investigating improved design. While the candidate will be based at CEG, strong and continuous interaction with our partners is expected. 

We are in search of a highly motivated professional who enjoys working in a multidisciplinary setting.

If the following characteristics resonate with you, consider joining us on this PhD journey:

• You already have a good background in mechanics of materials and advanced probability and statistics, or you are passionately committed to leveling up these skills.
• You have earned an MSc degree in fields like applied mathematics, applied physics, mechanical engineering, electronics, or material sciences.
• Effective communication and teamwork within multidisciplinary groups come naturally to you.
• You are proficient in programming languages such as Python, or interpreter platforms like MATLAB and R, and are eager to hone these skills further.

This is a unique opportunity to advance both your academic and practical skills, and we encourage you to apply if you meet these criteria.

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!

The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Our research feeds into our educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource availability, urbanisation and clean water. Our research projects are conducted in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced of the importance of open science and supports its scientists in integrating open science in their research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in the following seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management.

Click here  to go to the website of the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Maria Nogal Macho, e-mail: [email protected] ,  Oswaldo Morales-Napoles, e-mail: [email protected] .  

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 21 January 2024 via the application button and upload:

• Motivation letter;
• Academic CV;
• Your MSc thesis or a paper you wrote based on your MSc research. If neither are available in English, include a 1-page abstract of your MSc thesis written in English;
• Transcripts from your BSc and MSc studies.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-Employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.