The University of Twente is inviting applications for a fully funded, four-year PhD position focused on developing sustainable, circular production pathways for silicon and silicon carbide. This interdisciplinary doctoral project bridges the disciplines of materials science, powder technology, additive manufacturing, and machine learning to address critical sustainability challenges in high-performance materials engineering.
Overview Table
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Designation | PhD Candidate / Doctoral Researcher |
| Host Institution | University of Twente |
| Department | Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) |
| Research Area | Materials Science, Powder Metallurgy, Additive Manufacturing, Data Science |
| Location | Enschede, Overijssel, Netherlands |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded (4-year duration) |
| Application Deadline | October 22, 2026 |
Designation
Doctoral Researcher (PhD Candidate) – Full-time, 4-year fixed-term appointment with comprehensive employment benefits according to Dutch university standards.
Research Area
This doctoral research encompasses multiple interconnected disciplines:
- Advanced Materials Engineering: Upcycling semiconductor and photovoltaic silicon-rich waste into high-purity functional materials.
- Powder Technology & Mechanochemical Synthesis: Controlling particle size distribution, phase formation, morphology, and flowability.
- Additive Manufacturing: Binder-free and binder-based 3D printing of ceramics and semiconductors, studying densification, melting kinetics, and defect formation.
- Data Science & Machine Learning: Developing predictive models linking raw powder metrics and processing conditions to component performance.
Location
The position is based at the Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET), University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands. Collaborations extend to Saxion University of Applied Sciences and specialized industrial partners across Europe.
Scholarship Description
Silicon carbide (SiC) and silicon are essential materials for high-temperature electronics, structural elements, and thermal components. However, primary production is energy-intensive and subject to volatile international supply chains. Simultaneously, the photovoltaic and semiconductor sectors lose up to 75% of raw silicon during processing, with less than 5% currently recycled into low-grade byproducts.
This four-year fully funded PhD project aims to revolutionize this supply chain by transforming silicon waste streams into premium, circular feedstocks tailored specifically for additive manufacturing. As a PhD researcher on this project, your core responsibilities will include:
- Developing mechanochemical synthesis protocols to process silicon-rich scrap into high-purity, print-ready powders.
- Characterizing and engineering powder flowability, morphology, phase changes, and bulk density.
- Formulating parameter process windows for binder-based and binder-free additive manufacturing systems.
- Investigating microstructural evolution, phase transformations, melt pool dynamics, and defect mitigation in printed parts.
- Collaborating with data scientists at Saxion University of Applied Sciences to build predictive machine-learning models for rapid feedstock qualification and real-time quality control.
- Publishing research findings in peer-reviewed international scientific journals and presenting at relevant conferences.
Eligibility / Qualification Criteria
Applicants must meet the following entry requirements:
- Academic Background: A recognized Master’s degree (MSc or equivalent) in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Applied Physics, Manufacturing Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
- Research Competence: Demonstrated hands-on experience or strong theoretical knowledge in powder metallurgy, advanced ceramics, characterization techniques (e.g., SEM, XRD, PSD), or additive manufacturing.
- Technical Aptitude: Familiarity with or enthusiasm for data-driven engineering tools, data science, and machine learning applications in materials processing.
- Communication Skills: Strong command of written and spoken English, paired with excellent interpersonal skills required for working within an international, cross-sector consortium.
Required Application Documents
Candidates must prepare and submit the following materials in English:
- Motivation Letter: Maximum one A4 page explaining your interest in the project, career goals, and matching technical strengths.
- Curriculum Vitae: Comprehensive CV detailing education, projects, research skills, publications (if any), and contact details for at least three academic/professional references.
- Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts of records from your Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
- Master’s Thesis Abstract: A concise summary outlining research objectives, experimental methodology, key outcomes, and conclusions from your Master’s thesis.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the University of Twente’s official vacancy portal. Ensure all required documents are compiled into PDF format before beginning your submission.
For scientific or role-specific questions regarding this project, contact:
Dr. Davoud Jafari
Email: davoud.jafari@utwente.nl
Last Date for Apply
The closing date for applications is October 22, 2026. Early submission is strongly encouraged, as applications may be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Apply Link
Click Here to View Official Vacancy and Apply Online
