Summary
The University of Twente is offering a fully funded, four-year PhD position focused on developing circular production routes for silicon and silicon carbide. This interdisciplinary project combines materials science, powder technology, additive manufacturing, and data science to transform silicon-rich waste into high-pquality powders for advanced manufacturing, addressing critical sustainability and supply chain challenges in high-performance materials.
Designation
PhD Position
Research Area
- Circular Economy
- Materials Science
- Powder Technology
- Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing)
- Data Science and Machine Learning
- Sustainable Production
- Waste Valorization
Location
University of Twente, Netherlands
Eligibility/Qualification
Required Documents:
- A cover letter (maximum one A4 page) outlining motivation, relevant expertise, and interest in the project.
- A detailed CV, including academic achievements, research experience, publications (if applicable), and contact details of at least three references.
- Academic transcripts from Bachelor’s and Master’s studies.
- An abstract of your Master’s thesis, briefly describing the research objectives, methodology, main findings, and key conclusions.
Scholarship Description
This is a fully funded, four-year PhD position at the University of Twente. The project aims to:
- Develop and optimize routes for converting silicon-rich waste streams into high-purity powders.
- Investigate and control phase formation, particle size distribution, morphology, and flowability using mechanochemical processing.
- Establish additive manufacturing process windows for circular powders using both binder-free and binder-based approaches.
- Analyze melt behavior, densification, defect formation, and microstructure in materials.
- Contribute to the development of machine-learning models to connect powder characteristics and process parameters with final component properties, supporting faster feedstock qualification and predictive quality control.
The successful candidate will work in an interdisciplinary and international environment, collaborating with academic researchers and industrial partners across the full value chain. The project offers significant opportunities for high-impact publications and developing technologies with immediate industrial relevance and strong sustainability potential.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application via the “Apply Now” button on the official vacancy page. Please ensure all required documents (cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, and Master’s thesis abstract) are included.
Last Date for Apply
October 22, 2026
Apply Link
Contact Information
For more information about this position, you are welcome to contact Dr. Davoud Jafari at davoud.jafari@utwente.nl.
About the Department
The project brings together scientists from the Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) at the University of Twente. The ET faculty focuses on education and research in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Industrial Design Engineering, aiming to innovate and create value using efficient, solid, and sustainable technology. It is a leading center for smart production, processes, and devices across domains like Health Technology, Maintenance, Smart Regions, Smart Industry, and Sustainable Resources.
About the Organisation
The Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) at the University of Twente is dedicated to “engineering for impact,” developing smart, sustainable, human-centered, and technological solutions for societal challenges. The faculty connects fundamental education, research, and practice across five core domains: Asset & Maintenance engineering, Intelligent Manufacturing Systems, Personalised Health Technology, Resilience Engineering, and Sustainable Production, Energy and Resources. It fosters an open community where students, researchers, and staff collaborate with industrial and societal partners to generate insights, applications, and solutions that add value to society.
