PhD Scenario-based compositional system-level performance engineering

Introduction
Do you like applying formal models and mathematical theories in practice to solve real-world challenges? Do you like working with a top-notch, internationally recognized industrial partner? Would you like to push the boundaries of system-level modelling, analysis, design, exploration and synthesis beyond the current state-of-the-art? We offer a PhD position in the department of Electrical Engineering that focuses on solving cutting-edge design automation questions for complex cyber-physical manufacturing equipment.

Job Description
The semiconductor industry is vital to global economic growth and technological progress, powering everything from energy solutions to healthcare innovations. The production of advanced chips needed to realize these solutions requires complex manufacturing equipment, lithography machines produced by ASML being a prime example. The development of these machines is itself a highly complex process. Current design automation solutions for manufacturing equipment are limited to specific domains or subsystems. Holistic system-level design is a necessary next step to realize these systems with the expected productivity, reliability, and product quality, within cost and form-factor constraints. This implies going beyond current domain-specific solutions in software engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering.

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate for a PhD position on scenario-based compositional system-level performance engineering. The candidate will explore how to achieve correct behavior of the manufacturing system (e.g., collision-free material handling) at the required performance (in terms of throughput, latency), while considering concerns and constraints from various engineering domains (form factor, costs, thermal conditioning) by leveraging scenario-based design. The envisioned methodology considers systems from a behavioral perspective, clustering behaviors with similar characteristics into scenarios. The model-based performance engineering starts from use cases (typical and exceptional) and different operating modes of the system (normal modes and failures). This will require the development of suitable domain-specific languages (DSLs) to specify use cases from the perspective of the relevant domains as well as model transformation, analysis, and synthesis algorithms that provide functionally correct system configurations with a guaranteed performance. The research focuses on suitable domain models and the required model transformation, analysis, and synthesis approaches.

The position is hosted by the Model-Based Design Lab in the Electronic Systems group of Eindhoven University of Technology. It is part of a larger program on Design Automation with six PhD positions divided across the departments of Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Science. The program is executed in collaboration with industrial partner ASML.

Job Requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in computer engineering, computer science, systems engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or applied mathematics.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a passion for tackling complex, multi-disciplinary challenges.
• Strong software engineering and algorithm development skills, experience with modeling cyber-physical systems, and preferably experience with DSL development.
• Eager to work within an interdisciplinary team of industry and academic researchers.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively within a large project team.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

Conditions of Employment
A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us
We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

The mission of the Department of Electrical Engineering is to acquire, share and transfer knowledge and understanding in the whole field of Electrical Engineering through education, research and valorization. We work towards a ‘Smart Sustainable Society’, a ‘Connected World’, and a healthy humanity (‘Care & Cure’). Activities share an application-oriented character, a high degree of complexity and a large synergy between multiple facets of the field.

Research is carried out into the applications of electromagnetic phenomena in all forms of energy conversion, telecommunication and electrical signal processing. Existing and new electrical components and systems are analyzed, designed and built. The Electrical Engineering department takes its inspiration from contacts with high-tech industry in the direct surrounding region and beyond.

The department is innovative and has international ambitions and partnerships. The result is a challenging and inspiring setting in which socially relevant issues are addressed.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact
dr.ir. Marc (M.C.W.) Geilen, m.c.w.geilen@tue.nl, or Prof.dr.ir. Twan (A.A.) Basten, a.a.basten@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact HR Services via HRServices.EE@tue.nl.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application
We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application. The vacancy closes on May 29, 2026.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

PhD in microclimate modeling and optimization for greenhouses and vertical farms using CFD

Introduction
Ready to shape sustainable food production? Help optimize indoor climates in advanced CEA facilities, cut the carbon footprint of food production, and boost crop quality and yields. If you're a CFD expert eager to make impact, join us!

Job Description
We are shaping the future of controlled environment agriculture (CEA). CEA offers unique opportunities to produce high‑quality crops with minimal use of space, water and nutrients. However, ambitious CO₂‑reduction targets and increasing energy costs call for a next generation of CEA systems that are significantly more energy‑efficient while maintaining—or enhancing—crop quality and yield.

A key factor in achieving this is the microclimate surrounding the crop. This PhD project focuses on gaining in‑depth understanding of the complex crop microclimate in CEA systems and translating this knowledge into innovative climate control strategies. The goal is to supply plants with exactly what they need, when they need it, and no more. Through this research, you will contribute directly to the transition toward sustainable, energy‑efficient CEA systems of the future.

We offer a PhD position (4-year contract) within the 'GreenControl' project; a project in collaboration with Wageningen University, TU Delft, Twente University, and a large number of stakeholders from industry and society, that will start second half of 2026.

You will investigate the optimization of the crop microclimate in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) systems, with the objective of advancing climate control strategies. Particular emphasis will be placed on airflow dynamics and coupled heat and mass transfer processes within CEA facilities. To this end, you will apply and further develop computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling approaches to quantitatively analyze and predict microclimatic conditions.

In this project you will be working on the following aspects within GreenControl:

1. Development of parameterizations for the vegetation impact on the microclimate and vice versa, in a greenhouse/vertical farm.
2. Application of developed CFD models to assess the effects of climate control strategies on air mixing, heat and mass fluxes (CO2, water vapor) from the vegetation.

The project will take place in the Building Physics research group, under supervision of prof.dr.ir. Twan van Hooff (full professor with specialization in building ventilation flows) and dr.ir. Thijs van Druenen (researcher with specialization in building aerodynamics). The project has links with other past and ongoing projects within the research group. The Building Physics research group is one of the six research groups in the Unit Building Physics and Services of the Department of the Built Environment.

Job Requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in building or applied physics/civil/mechanical engineering or related disciplines with a background and an interest in airflow modeling
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English: C1 level = IELTS: 7.0 score or TOEFL: 90 score.

Any of the following could be considered an advantage and should be mentioned in the motivation letter:

• Previous experience/affinity with airflow modeling using CFD and/or measurements.
• Previous experience with studies on controlled environment agriculture
• Previous publications and scientific communications

Conditions of Employment
A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us
We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

Sustainability, in its broadest definition, is the cornerstone of research and education in the Department of Built Environment. We take the lead in (re)shaping the built environment to be future-proof, safe, healthy, inclusive and respectful of planetary boundaries. We house the entire spectrum of technology, engineering, design, and human behavior disciplines in the built environment, with world-class experimental facilities at all scales. This allows us to address societal challenges from a uniquely integrated perspective.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager prof.dr.ir. T.A.J. van Hooff, full professor, t.a.j.v.hooff@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact Scott Jacops, HR Advisor BE, s.m.m.c.b.jacops@tue.nl.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application
We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.
• Proof of proficiency in English language (see job requirements)

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

PhD Scenario-based compositional system-level performance engineering

The semiconductor industry is vital to global economic growth and technological progress, powering everything from energy solutions to healthcare innovations. The production of advanced chips needed to realize these solutions requires complex manufacturing equipment, lithography machines produced by ASML being a prime example. The development of these machines is itself a highly complex process. Current design automation solutions for manufacturing equipment are limited to specific domains or subsystems. Holistic system-level design is a necessary next step to realize these systems with the expected productivity, reliability, and product quality, within cost and form-factor constraints. This implies going beyond current domain-specific solutions in software engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering.

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate for a PhD position on scenario-based compositional system-level performance engineering. The candidate will explore how to achieve correct behavior of the manufacturing system (e.g., collision-free material handling) at the required performance (in terms of throughput, latency), while considering concerns and constraints from various engineering domains (form factor, costs, thermal conditioning) by leveraging scenario-based design. The envisioned methodology considers systems from a behavioral perspective, clustering behaviors with similar characteristics into scenarios. The model-based performance engineering starts from use cases (typical and exceptional) and different operating modes of the system (normal modes and failures). This will require the development of suitable domain-specific languages (DSLs) to specify use cases from the perspective of the relevant domains as well as model transformation, analysis, and synthesis algorithms that provide functionally correct system configurations with a guaranteed performance. The research focuses on suitable domain models and the required model transformation, analysis, and synthesis approaches.

The position is hosted by the Model-Based Design Lab in the Electronic Systems group of Eindhoven University of Technology. It is part of a larger program on Design Automation with six PhD positions divided across the departments of Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Science. The program is executed in collaboration with industrial partner ASML.

PhD in microclimate modeling and optimization for greenhouses and vertical farms using CFD

We are shaping the future of controlled environment agriculture (CEA). CEA offers unique opportunities to produce high‑quality crops with minimal use of space, water and nutrients. However, ambitious CO₂‑reduction targets and increasing energy costs call for a next generation of CEA systems that are significantly more energy‑efficient while maintaining—or enhancing—crop quality and yield.

A key factor in achieving this is the microclimate surrounding the crop. This PhD project focuses on gaining in‑depth understanding of the complex crop microclimate in CEA systems and translating this knowledge into innovative climate control strategies. The goal is to supply plants with exactly what they need, when they need it, and no more. Through this research, you will contribute directly to the transition toward sustainable, energy‑efficient CEA systems of the future.

We offer a PhD position (4-year contract) within the 'GreenControl' project; a project in collaboration with Wageningen University, TU Delft, Twente University, and a large number of stakeholders from industry and society, that will start second half of 2026.

You will investigate the optimization of the crop microclimate in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) systems, with the objective of advancing climate control strategies. Particular emphasis will be placed on airflow dynamics and coupled heat and mass transfer processes within CEA facilities. To this end, you will apply and further develop computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling approaches to quantitatively analyze and predict microclimatic conditions.

In this project you will be working on the following aspects within GreenControl:

1. Development of parameterizations for the vegetation impact on the microclimate and vice versa, in a greenhouse/vertical farm.
2. Application of developed CFD models to assess the effects of climate control strategies on air mixing, heat and mass fluxes (CO2, water vapor) from the vegetation.

The project will take place in the Building Physics research group, under supervision of prof.dr.ir. Twan van Hooff (full professor with specialization in building ventilation flows) and dr.ir. Thijs van Druenen (researcher with specialization in building aerodynamics). The project has links with other past and ongoing projects within the research group. The Building Physics research group is one of the six research groups in the Unit Building Physics and Services of the Department of the Built Environment.

PhD in Organic Iontronic Neuromorphic Devices and Circuits

Introduction
Are you inspired by the challenge of building new technologies that connect materials, electronics and intelligent systems? Are you passionate about developing next-generation hardware for adaptive, efficient and intelligent technologies?

Job Description
Neuromorphic hardware promises efficient learning and control, yet nearly all existing platforms rely on rigid, silicon-based electronics and electron-only information carriers. In contrast, biological systems compute and control with hydrated ions, in soft and dynamic environments. Organic mixed ionic–electronic conductors (OMIECs) and iontronic circuits now offer an opportunity to move beyond electronics that imitate the brain towards soft, ion-based devices and circuit architectures that can be physically co-located with sensors, actuators and even biological tissues.

We will develop a fundamentally new class of organic iontronic neuromorphic devices and circuits such as memory elements and spiking neurons, and explore how they can implement learning control at the interface between the human body and intelligent robotic systems. The project builds on our previous work on organic electrochemical synapses, biohybrid synapses modulated by neurotransmitters, neuromorphic biosensors with on-chip learning and progressive hardware backpropagation in ECRAM arrays developed in our group (see: van de Burgt group which is part of the Microsystems Section). These achievements provide a unique platform to now ask deeper questions about control and computation with ions at the physical interface to the body.

The overall goal of this PhD project is:
To develop organic iontronic neuromorphic devices and circuits for smart adaptive biosensors and control

Embedding
The PhD student will be directly supervised by prof. Yoeri van de Burgt, Professor in Neuromorphic Engineering, within the Microsystems section, headed by prof. Jaap den Toonder. Microsystems is part of the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS). The Microsystems section manages the Microfab lab, a state-of-the-art micro fabrication facility that houses a range of micro-manufacturing technologies.

Job Requirements
We are looking for a candidate with a background in electrical or circuit engineering, materials science, robotics, artificial intelligence, microsystems engineering, or another relevant discipline. Given the multidisciplinary character of the proposed research the ideal candidate has experience in device physics, circuits, sensors, microfabrication and materials science. Experience with control engineering is a plus. Furthermore, the candidate has a hands-on attitude, experimental experience and can work independently as well as collaborate with others.

Conditions of Employment
A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us
We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering department conducts world-class research aligned with the technological interests of the high-tech industry in the Netherlands, with a focus on the Brainport region. Our goal is to produce engineers who are both scientifically educated and application-driven by providing a balanced education and research program that combines fundamental and application aspects. We equip our graduates with practical and theoretical expertise, preparing them optimally for future challenges.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact
prof.dr.ir. Yoeri van de Burgt (y.b.v.d.burgt@tue.nl).

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact HRServices.me@tue.nl.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application
We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.