项目介绍

2026年9月30日

项目介绍

屯特大学（University of Twente）工程技术学院（Engineering Technology）招收全资助四年制工科博士生，研究方向为硅与碳化硅（SiC）的循环生产工艺，具体包括将光伏与半导体行业富硅废料转化为高纯度陶瓷粉体、建立无黏结剂与含黏结剂增材制造的工艺窗口，并与 Saxion 应用科学大学合作开发连接粉体特性、工艺参数与最终构件性能的机器学习模型。该岗位为荷兰标准岗位制博士，月薪 €3,204–€4,051，每周 40 小时，申请截止 2026 年 10 月 23 日。

Job description

We offer a fully funded, four-year PhD position at the University of Twente focused on developing circular production routes for silicon and silicon carbide, key materials for high-temperature and high-performance applications. The project brings together materials science, powder technology, additive manufacturing, and data science.

Silicon carbide is widely used in demanding thermal, structural, and electronic applications, yet its production is energy-intensive and relies on global supply chains. At the same time, the photovoltaic and semiconductor industries generate large volumes of silicon-rich waste: up to 75% of silicon can be lost across the value chain, while recycling rates remain around 5%. Existing recycling routes largely downcycle this material into lower-value compounds and do not produce powders with the quality required for advanced manufacturing.

This PhD project aims to address that gap. You will develop and optimise routes for converting silicon-rich waste streams into high-purity powders. Using mechanochemical processing, you will investigate and control phase formation, particle size distribution, morphology, and flowability. You will then establish additive manufacturing process windows for these circular powders using both binder-free and binder-based additive manufacturing approaches, investigating melt behaviour, densification, defect formation, and microstructure in materials.

A distinctive element of the project is its data-driven approach. Together with colleagues at Saxion University of Applied Sciences, you will contribute to the development of machine-learning models that connect powder characteristics and process parameters with the properties of the final components. These models will support faster feedstock qualification and enable predictive quality control.

You will work in an interdisciplinary and international environment alongside academic researchers and industrial partners spanning the full value chain—from waste recovery and silicon processing to powder qualification, additive manufacturing, and advanced ceramics. The project offers strong opportunities to publish high-impact research while developing technologies with immediate industrial relevance and clear potential for sustainability impact.

Requirements

• A Master’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or another relevant engineering/science discipline.
• Strong interest in powder technology, ceramics, and additive manufacturing.
• Experience with materials characterisation techniques and mechanical and thermal testing is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with additive manufacturing processes is an advantage.
• Knowledge of ceramic processing, powder metallurgy, or mechanochemistry is beneficial.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research environment.
• Strong analytical, experimental, and problem-solving skills.
• Motivation to contribute to both fundamental research and industrially relevant technology development.
• Excellent communication skills and proficiency in English, both spoken and written.

Conditions of employment

• A fully funded 4-year PhD position in an ambitious and internationally recognized research environment.
• Gross salary between €3,204 and €4,051 per month depending on experience and qualifications.
• Holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, a year-end bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
• Terms of employment in accordance with the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Universities (CAO-NU).
• A training program in which you and your supervisor make up a plan for additional suitable education and supervision.

Department

The project at the University of Twente brings together scientists from the Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET). The faculty engages in the education and research of Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Industrial Design Engineering, and is part of a ‘people-first’ university of technology, taking its 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. It is home to about 2,900 Bachelor’s and Master’s students, 550 employees, and 150 PhD candidates, and is closely connected with UT research institutes Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Center and Digital Society Institute.

Additional information

Please send your application by October 22, 2026, via the “Apply Now” button, including: a cover letter (maximum one A4 page), a detailed CV with the contact details of at least three references, academic transcripts from your Bachelor’s and Master’s studies, and an abstract of your Master’s thesis. For more information about this position, you are welcome to contact Dr. Davoud Jafari at davoud.jafari@utwente.nl.