PhD position in Numerical Modeling of Thermo-Mechanical Effects for High-Performance Mechatronics
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based on full-time€ 3,059 - € 3,881Deadline20 Sep 2025A PhD position is available at the chair of Precision Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering Technology of the University of Twente.In high-tech domains such as semicon, healthcare, and space, performance is increasingly limited by thermally induced deformations. While passive and active compensation methods exist, thermal effects must be addressed during early-stage design. This calls for advanced modeling techniques that capture thermo-elastic interactions with high fidelity. In this PhD, you will help develop these next-generation tools.We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to strengthen our research. Your research will focus on the development of numerical simulation techniques based on finite element and multibody dynamics formulations. Your tasks involve developing new elements tailored to the multi-physical effects seen in high-performance mechatronics systems, focussing on the inclusion of thermal aspects. You can leverage a large body of existing research and software for the efficient simulation of complex geometrically nonlinear mechanical elastic structures. Other aspects of the research include a numerical framework for the sensitivity analysis to facilitate design optimization and experimental system identification.Your profile
- A MSc degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.
- Highly proficient in written and oral English.
- Strong, proven programming skills in MATLAB and/or Python.
- Mathematical knowledge of finite element formulations and/or flexible multibody formulations, and numerical methods.
- Familiarity with precision design, mechatronics, multi-physical modeling, sensitivity analysis and experimental measurements is an advantage.
- The ability to operate at the intersection of various fields.
- A high degree of responsibility and independence, able to collaborate with colleagues, researchers, and other university staff.
- As a PhD candidate at UT, you will be appointed to a full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year, within a very stimulating and exciting scientific environment.
- Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).
- You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 3.059,- (first year) to € 3.881,- (fourth year).
- There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
- A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
- Free access to sports facilities on campus.
- A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid).
- You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision.
- A cover letter (maximum 1 page A4) emphasizing why you are a good fit for this position. It is crucial to link your profile to the advertised position.
- A detailed curriculum vitae with publications (if available).
- An academic transcript of BSc and MSc education with a course list and grades.
- A high TOEL score (
6.5 or 7) is generally required.For more information, you can contact dr.ir. Marijn Nijenhuis, email: m.nijenhuis@utwente.nlFirst (online) interviews will be held in the first week of October 2025.Screening will be part of the selection procedure.Share this vacancyAbout the organisationThe Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) engages in education and research of Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering. We enable society and industry to innovate and create value using efficient, solid and sustainable technology. We are part of a 'people-first' university of technology, taking our place as an internationally leading center for smart production, processes and devices in five domains: Health Technology, Maintenance, Smart Regions, Smart Industry and Sustainable Resources. Our faculty is home to about 2,900 Bachelor's and Master's students, 550 employees and 150 PhD candidates. Our educational and research programmes are closely connected with UT research institutes Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Center and Digital Society Institute.Want to know moreNijenhuis, M. (Marijn)
Assistant ProfessorNijenhuis, M. (Marijn)
Assistant ProfessorDo you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Marijn for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.