The University of Twente invites applications for a fully funded PhD Position on Hermetic Packaging of Microfluidic Sensor Chips without Glue or Elastomers for Ventilators and Multi-Infusion Systems. This research project is hosted within the Integrated Devices and Systems (IDS) group in the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) and affiliated with the world-renowned MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology.
Overview & Key Details
| Designation | PhD Candidate / Researcher |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | University of Twente |
| Faculty / Department | Faculty of EEMCS / Integrated Devices and Systems (IDS) Group |
| Research Area | Microfluidics, MEMS, Microfabrication, Sensor Packaging, Nanotechnology |
| Location | Enschede, Netherlands |
| Employment Type | Full-time (40 hours/week, 4-year contract) |
| Monthly Salary | €3,204 to €4,051 gross per month (plus 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end bonus) |
| Application Deadline | September 30, 2026 |
Designation
PhD Candidate (Doctoral Researcher) in Electrical Engineering / Microsystems Engineering.
Research Area
This doctoral research focuses on advanced Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS), Microfluidics, Cleanroom Microfabrication, Surface Bonding, and Sensor Packaging applied to critical medical devices such as advanced ventilators and multi-infusion drug delivery systems.
Location
University of Twente, Enschede, Overijssel, Netherlands.
Scholarship & Position Description
In medical life-support systems such as ventilators and multi-infusion equipment, accurately controlling fluid and gas flows is critical. While MEMS-based flow sensors offer outstanding performance, current packaging methods rely on elastomer seals or adhesives that risk releasing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into breathing gas pathways or reacting chemically with potent liquid pharmaceuticals (e.g., insulin, dopamine, noradrenaline, morphine).
The goal of this project is to develop a novel, reliable "glueless" and elastomer-free hermetic packaging technique for silicon chips featuring embedded microfluidic channels with low-stress silicon-rich silicon nitride walls. The candidate will design and evaluate seals capable of withstanding pressures up to 30 bar across temperatures from -20°C to 70°C using purely inert materials.
Key Research Objectives & Tasks:
- Investigate fundamental bonding techniques between glass/metals and silicon nitride coated silicon wafers.
- Design, fabricate, and package actual sensor chips inside the state-of-the-art MESA+ NanoLab cleanroom.
- Perform experimental bonding analyses and comprehensive characterization in the MEMS measurement laboratory.
- Engage in educational and teaching support activities (up to 20% of the total time).
Employment Benefits:
- Full-time 4-year appointment with a formal evaluation/qualifier at the end of the first year.
- Gross monthly salary ranging from €3,204 (Year 1) to €4,051 (Year 4) in accordance with the Dutch Universities Collective Labour Agreement (CAO-NU).
- Annual bonuses: 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
- Generous paid leave (minimum 232 to 328 hours per year based on work pattern).
- Professional growth and tailored coursework through the Twente Graduate School.
- Campus sports facilities access, hybrid work flexibility, and generous parental leave schemes.
Eligibility and Qualifications
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- An MSc degree in Electrical Engineering, Nanotechnology, Applied Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline.
- Strong theoretical foundations and proven experimental/laboratory skills.
- Demonstrated affinity for microfabrication, cleanroom processing, electronics, MEMS, or sensor technologies.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills suitable for an interdisciplinary, international research environment.
- Fluency in spoken and written English.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application online via the official University of Twente career portal. Required application documents include:
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV), including an overview of completed courses, grades obtained, publications (if any), and academic references.
- A comprehensive Cover Letter / Motivation Letter (maximum 2 pages A4) detailing specific interest in the research topic and relevant qualifications.
For scientific or substantive questions regarding this position, please contact dr. ir. R.J. (Remco) Wiegerink at r.j.wiegerink@utwente.nl or call +31 53 489 2718.
Last Date for Apply
The closing date for applications is September 30, 2026 (before October 1, 2026).
Apply Link
To view the full listing and apply online, visit the official application page:
Apply Online – PhD Position at University of Twente
