EngD Scholarship in Digital Textile Manufacturing and Systems, TU/e – Eindhoven University of Technology, Netherlands

Summary

Are you passionate about transforming textile production through digital, circular, and scalable methods for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)? This EngD scholarship offers a unique opportunity to apply data science, machine learning, and AI to real-world textile machinery and production processes, redesigning entire textile value chains. You will work hands-on, turning machine, production, and ecosystem data into actionable insights.

Designation

EngD Trainee

Scholarship Description

This EngD position focuses on preparing textile production for the age of AI and Machine Learning. While textile machines are often digital, they are rarely connected or optimized for data-driven work. Much production knowledge remains in the hands of operators, leading to isolated steps in design, production, repair, and recycling, and significant loss of know-how and material. As an EngD trainee, you will:

• Design, build, and adapt experimental machine setups with textile producers and machine builders, incorporating sensors and controls, and linking machine settings to design files.
• Utilize data science, machine learning, and AI to convert machine, production, and ecosystem data into insights for operators, designers, and partners.
• Analyze the broader impact of data-enabled production on the ecosystem, from design and material choices to small-batch production, repair, reuse, and recycling.

This is a collaborative role within a public-private fieldlab involving TU/e, industry partners, design researchers, and the Dutch Textile Campus. Your work will contribute to helping Dutch textile SMEs meet new European circularity rules, extend material lifecycles, and potentially inform other industries in the region, drawing parallels with Eindhoven’s semiconductor industry origins.

Research Area

Digital Textile Manufacturing, Data Science, Machine Learning, AI, Circular Economy, Industrial Design, Textile Value Chain Optimization.

Location

Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands (TU/e – Eindhoven University of Technology)

Eligibility/Qualification

• A Master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Industrial Design or a related field.
• A design-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and a strong interest in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Fluent in spoken and written English.

Conditions of Employment

This is a full-time temporary position for two years, offering a meaningful role within a dynamic and ambitious university. Benefits include:

• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale TOIO (€ 3,173 gross per month, full-time).
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end bonus.
• Generous leave options: 29 standard days per year (based on a 38-hour week), extendable to 41 days with flexible working hours.
• Participation in the ABP pension scheme (TU/e pays 70% of the premium).
• High-quality training programs for general skills, didactics, research, and valorization.
• Excellent technical infrastructure and on-campus children’s day care.
• Affordable access to the TU/e Student Sports Center.
• Free 24/7 access to OpenUp for mental health support.
• Partially paid parental leave and allowances for commuting, working from home, and internet costs.
• Support from the TU/e Postdoc Association and Staff Immigration Team for international candidates, including a tax compensation scheme (Expat Scheme) and moving expense compensation.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit a complete application using the online apply-button. Applications sent via email or post will not be processed. The application should include:

1. A cover letter detailing your motivation and qualifications for the position.
2. A curriculum vitae, including a list of publications and contact information for three references (notify references upon submission).
3. Copies of relevant BSc and MSc diplomas and grade transcripts.
4. The result of an English proficiency test (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL).

Please ensure all requested documents are submitted, as incomplete applications may not be considered.

Last Date for Apply

Apply Link

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