The University of Twente in the Netherlands is inviting applications for a fully funded, four-year PhD position focused on developing circular production routes for silicon and silicon carbide. This cutting-edge doctoral project bridges the fields of materials science, powder technology, additive manufacturing, and data-driven process modeling to convert industrial silicon waste into high-performance components.
Overview Table
| Opportunity | Fully Funded PhD Position |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | University of Twente (Faculty of Engineering Technology) |
| Location | Enschede, Netherlands |
| Research Area | Materials Science, Additive Manufacturing, Powder Technology & Machine Learning |
| Duration & Funding | Fully funded for 4 years |
| Application Deadline | October 22, 2026 |
Designation
PhD Candidate / Doctoral Researcher in Materials Science and Additive Manufacturing.
Research Area
The position is situated at the intersection of several high-impact disciplines, including:
- Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
- Powder Technology and Mechanochemical Processing
- Additive Manufacturing (Binder-based and Binder-free 3D printing)
- Circular Economy, Industrial Waste Upcycling, and Sustainable Resources
- Machine Learning and Predictive Data Modeling for Process Parameter Optimization
Location
University of Twente, Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET), Enschede, Overijssel, Netherlands.
Scholarship Description
Silicon carbide (SiC) is an indispensable material for demanding thermal, electronic, and structural applications. However, traditional production remains highly energy-intensive. Concurrently, the semiconductor and photovoltaic sectors lose up to 75% of high-grade silicon across value chains, with current recycling rates languishing around 5%—mostly resulting in downcycled, lower-value products unsuitable for advanced manufacturing.
This four-year doctoral research project aims to revolutionize this supply chain by converting silicon-rich waste into high-purity, print-ready feedstocks. Key research responsibilities include:
- Investigating mechanochemical synthesis routes to control phase evolution, particle morphology, distribution, and powder flowability.
- Establishing optimal additive manufacturing process windows for circular powders through both binder-free and binder-based printing technologies.
- Analyzing melt behavior, densification mechanisms, defect propagation, and microstructure in printed ceramic components.
- Collaborating with researchers at Saxion University of Applied Sciences to build machine-learning models connecting powder traits with printed part properties.
- Publishing high-impact journal articles and working directly with academic and industrial consortium partners across the circular value chain.
Eligibility and Qualifications
Applicants are expected to meet the following criteria:
- A completed Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Applied Physics, Powder Metallurgy, or a related engineering field.
- A strong foundation or demonstrable interest in materials characterization, additive manufacturing, powder processing, or data-driven modeling.
- High academic standing with strong analytical, experimental, and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English, along with strong collaborative skills in an international research team.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application online through the official University of Twente careers portal. Ensure that all the following documents are prepared in PDF format:
- Motivation Letter: Maximum one A4 page explaining your interest in the project, career goals, and relevant skills.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailed CV listing academic achievements, research projects, publications (if any), and contact details for at least three professional/academic references.
- Academic Transcripts: Official copies of Bachelor’s and Master’s degree transcripts.
- Master’s Thesis Abstract: A concise summary detailing objectives, methodology, key findings, and conclusions of your MSc thesis.
For technical or academic inquiries regarding this doctoral project, contact: Dr. Davoud Jafari (davoud.jafari@utwente.nl).
Last Date for Application
The closing date for applications is October 22, 2026. Candidates are encouraged to submit their materials early, as screening and interviews may occur on a rolling basis.
Apply Link
To submit your application or view the complete official recruitment details, visit the University of Twente portal below:
Apply for the PhD Position at University of Twente
