Communicatieadviseur faculteiten

• Je bent adviseur en sparringpartner voor het faculteitsbestuur en wetenschappers van de faculteiten ET en ITC voor de verschillende communicatievraagstukken.
• Je bent verantwoordelijk voor het ontwikkelen en coördineren van communicatieactiviteiten rondom onderwijs, onderzoek en impact.
• Je vertaalt de UT brede communicatiestrategie (interne en externe communicatiestrategie) naar de faculteiten en adviseert de facultaire besturen en wetenschappers,je zet adviezen om in een jaarplan met planning en een meetbare communicatieaanpak.
• Bij de content die je in de faculteiten maakt, voor verschillende doelen en doelgroepen, denk je ook aan het belang van de UT als geheel en de positie van de faculteit daarbinnen.
• Je signaleert kansen en mogelijkheden in media en maatschappij en koppelt dat aan de doelen van de faculteiten.
• Je werkt nauw samen met collega’s binnen het ERS-team, centrale MC-dienst en andere facultaire professionals

PhD position on Smart Materials for Information Processing

This position is part of the NWO KIC Smart Materials project, Smart Materials for Information Processing, in collaboration with the Interfaces and Correlated Electronics (ICE) group at the University of Twente and the Infomatter group at AMOLF. The SMIP project aims at revolutionising computing by developing adaptive, smart materials that combine memory and learning directly within their structure, uniting theory and experiment. These materials adapt their computations over time, reducing energy use and improving efficiency. Partnering with Toyota and Demcon TSST, SMIP will showcase this innovation through a fuel-cell management prototype, achieving better performance and durability.

In 2020, we introduced the concept of reconfigurable nonlinear processing units (RNPUs, [Nature 577, 341-345, 2020[(https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-019-1901-0). In this PhD project, you will work on the development of efficient machine learning procedures to be applied to RNPU networks in combination with memristive materials and applying the theoretical hysteron concept.

PhD position on Closed-loop testing for faster and better EM evaluation of complex high-tech systems

The RS-group and Electromagnetic Compatibility Group within the Department of Electrical Engineering has a vacancy for a Ph.D. researcher on Closed-loop testing for faster and better EM evaluation of complex high-tech systems within the EU Horizon 2020 Marie Sklodowska-Curie Project NEPIT - Network for Evaluation of Propagation and Interference Training.

To expose objects to electromagnetic fields we step to a new position, increase power level until a defined value is read by a meter but this very, very slow and the main problem is the slow meter response time therefore the key question is how electronic products react on electromagnetic interference and we would like that you help us to solve that problem!

The objectives are to develop a world-wide accepted new standard for testing large systems in RC, by comparing the newest fast EM sensor systems, comparing performance with antennas, evaluate different algorithms for EM field strength data, investigating the minimal needed sensors (up to nine), and controlling the equipment using in-line measured data (closed-loop).

The expected results are to create a new standard for automotive testing using RC, including VIRC. Update of IEC 61000-4-21 for large system testing.

PhD Position: Advancing Kinematic Couplings for Precision Alignment Applications

The challenge

This PhD research focuses on the advanced design and analysis of kinematic couplings—a key technology for achieving passive, high-precision, and deterministic alignment between precision components. Unlike active alignment methods that rely on actuators and sensors, kinematic couplings enable self-alignment purely through geometry and contact mechanics, offering a fast, robust, and repeatable solution for high-tech applications.

Although the concept of kinematic couplings has existed for decades, the underlying physical phenomena remain poorly understood. In particular, the effects of friction, compliance, and contamination on alignment repeatability introduce uncertainties that limit their predictability and broader application.

You will investigate the underlying mechanical principles—including contact stiffness, constraint geometry, and material interactions, in particular friction—to develop novel coupling designs optimized for increased repeatability, thermal stability, and load-bearing capacity. These designs are critical in fields such as:

• Optical component alignment
• High-precision metrology instruments
• Wafer bonding in semiconductor manufacturing
• Engine docking assemblies
• Medical diagnostic and imaging systems

A key aspect of this research is addressing fundamental engineering challenges that currently limit the adoption of kinematic couplings, including:

• Initial alignment sensitivity during assembly or docking
• Thermal fluctuations and their impact on positional stability
• Loadability and robustness under dynamic or off-axis forces

You will combine analytical modeling, finite element simulations, and experimental validation to explore new coupling topologies and materials. The goal is to push the boundaries of passive alignment technologies and enable their integration into next-generation precision systems.

As a member of the Precision Engineering Laboratory, you will become part of a collaborative team of PhD researchers working in a dynamic and supportive environment. You will have the opportunity to present your research at leading international scientific conferences, helping you grow your academic profile and expand your professional network. This project is closely connected to and funded by the Dutch precision engineering community, offering a unique chance to contribute directly to innovations in high-tech industry.

Research position in additive manufacturing of shape memory alloys

The Challenge

We have a 1-year research position (with the possibility of extension) within a multidisciplinary team working at the intersection of materials science, mechanical engineering, and additive manufacturing. This role centers on the development, additive manufacturing, and experimental evaluation of shape memory alloys (SMAs)—such as NiTi-based systems—with an emphasis on microstructural control, phase transformation behavior, thermal properties, and functional performance. The candidate will investigate key characteristics such as austenite and martensite transformation temperatures, caloric effects, and mechanical response, and will contribute to the optimization of process parameters in Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) to enable the fabrication of functionally graded, architected materials.