Summary
Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is offering two PhD positions within the VALOR project. This interdisciplinary collaboration between academia, industry, and government aims to develop a new generation of 3D-printed composite panels designed to shield electronics from electromagnetic threats while withstanding physical impact for defense platforms.
Designation
PhD Candidate (2 Positions)
Position Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| University | Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) |
| Department | Department of Mechanical Engineering |
| Research Group | Processing and Performance of Materials |
| Duration | 4 Years (Full-time) |
| Salary | €3,204 – €4,051 gross per month |
| Location | Eindhoven, Netherlands |
Research Area
The research focuses on Multifunctional Polymer Composites, specifically merging absorption-based electromagnetic shielding with impact-resistant sandwich structures using 3D-printed architected nanocomposite materials.
Scholarship Description
Project VALOR aims to replace traditional metal shielding in defense platforms (drones, naval ships, vehicles) with lightweight, 3D-printed composite panels. These panels are engineered to carry mechanical loads and absorb electromagnetic waves simultaneously. The two PhD roles are divided as follows:
- PhD 1 (Mechanics and Manufacturing): Focuses on 3D printing nanocomposite lattice materials, fabricating facesheets, mechanical testing, and finite element modeling.
- PhD 2 (Electromagnetic Testing and Design): Focuses on formulating polymer nanocomposites, characterizing electromagnetic behavior, and conducting shielding simulations.
Eligibility/Qualification
General Requirements
- A Master’s degree with excellent grades in a relevant field.
- Fluency in English (C1 level).
- A research-oriented mindset with strong critical thinking skills.
Specific Qualifications
- For PhD 1: Specialization in mechanics of materials or solid mechanics. Experience in mechanical characterization or FEA is a plus.
- For PhD 2: Specialization in materials science, mechanical/electrical engineering, or applied physics. Experience in electromagnetic characterization (e.g., vector network analysis) is a plus.
Benefits
- Full-time employment for four years with a competitive salary.
- 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end bonus.
- Access to state-of-the-art laboratories and computational facilities.
- Generous leave options (29 to 41 days per year).
- Professional development and high-quality training programs.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their application through the official TU/e recruitment portal. The application package should include:
- A Cover Letter describing motivation and qualifications.
- A Curriculum Vitae (CV) including a list of publications and contact info for three references.
- A complete overview of grades from Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
Apply Link: Official Application Portal
Last Date for Apply
November 22, 2026
