Job description
We offer a fully funded 4-year PhD position within the University of Twente on the development of ultra-efficient cooling technologies for advanced semiconductor packaging. The project, UltraCool, combines materials science, additive manufacturing, thermal engineering, and semiconductor integration to enable direct bonding between silicon and high-conductivity metals such as copper.
The rapid growth of AI and high-performance computing is driving heat fluxes in advanced chip packages beyond 1,000 W/cm², making thermal management one of the key bottlenecks for future electronics. This PhD project aims to address this challenge through the design of novel interlayer alloys, development of multi-material Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) processes, and integration of cooling functionality directly into package-level demonstrators.
The research will focus on the thermodynamic design of interlayer alloy feedstocks, powder production and characterization, multi-material LPBF process optimization, and the investigation of interfacial physics governing residual stress, defect formation, and thermal transport across copper–silicon interfaces. You will work with characterization methods including SEM, EBSD, XRD, thermal conductivity analysis, and thermo-mechanical testing. The project also includes the fabrication and validation of package-level cooling demonstrators for direct and indirect chip cooling applications.
You will work in a highly interdisciplinary and international environment together with academic researchers and industrial partners active in semiconductor packaging, powder production, sensing technologies, and thermal management. The project offers excellent opportunities to contribute to high-impact scientific research while developing technologies with strong industrial relevance.
Your profile
We are looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic, and self-driven researcher who meets the following qualifications:
- A Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Materials Science and Engineering or another relevant engineering/science discipline.
- Strong interest in additive manufacturing, materials development, thermal management, and semiconductor packaging.
- Experience with materials characterization techniques such as SEM, EBSD, XRD, thermal characterization methods, and mechanical testing is highly desirable.
- Familiarity with additive manufacturing processes, particularly Laser Powder Bed Fusion, is an advantage.
- Knowledge of metallurgy or computational materials engineering is beneficial.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research environment.
- Strong analytical, experimental, and problem-solving skills.
- Motivation to contribute to both fundamental research and industrially relevant technology development.
- Excellent communication skills and proficiency in English, both spoken and written.
Our offer
- A fully funded 4-year PhD position in an ambitious and internationally recognized research environment.
- Excellent working conditions, an exciting scientific environment, and a green and lively campus with lots of sports facilities and an international scientific community. The terms of employment are in accordance with the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Universities (CAO)
- Gross monthly salary of € 3.059,- in the first year, which increases to € 3.881,- in the fourth year
- Excellent benefits include a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, a year-end bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
- You can make use of excellent facilities for professional and personal development and a training program in which you and your supervisor will make up a plan for additional suitable education and supervision.
- You will receive good secondary conditions, in accordance with the collective labor agreement CAO-NU for Dutch universities.
- We encourage a high degree of responsibility and independence while collaborating with close colleagues, researchers, and other university staff.
Information and application
Are you interested in being part of our team? Please send your application by July 5, 2026, via the "Apply Now" button and include the following documents:
- A cover letter (maximum one A4 page), emphasizing your motivation, relevant expertise, and interest in the project.
- A detailed CV including academic achievements, research experience, publications (if applicable), and contact information of at least three references.
- Academic transcripts from your Bachelor’s and Master’s studies.
For more information about this position, you are welcome to contact Dr. Davoud Jafari at [email protected].
The first (online) job interviews will take place on July 10.
About the department
The project at the University of Twente brings together scientists from the Faculties of Engineering Technology (ET).
ET: The Faculty of Engineering Technology engages in the education and research of Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Industrial Design Engineering. We enable society and industry to innovate and create value using efficient, solid, and sustainable technology. We are part of a ‘people-first' university of technology, taking our place as an internationally leading center for smart production, processes, and devices in five domains: Health Technology, Maintenance, Smart Regions, Smart Industry, and Sustainable Resources. Our faculty is home to about 2,900 Bachelor's and Master's students, 550 employees, and 150 PhD candidates. Our educational and research programs are closely connected with UT research institutes?Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Center and Digital Society Institute.
About the organisation
At the Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET), we work on engineering for impact: developing smart, sustainable, human-centred and technological solutions for societal challenges. We connect fundamental education, research and practice across five core domains: Asset & Maintenance engineering, Intelligent Manufacturing Systems, Personalised Health Technology, Resilience Engineering, and Sustainable Production, Energy and Resources.
We work on education and research in mechanical engineering, civil engineering and industrial design engineering. Together, we learn by making, creating, and innovating, addressing challenges in a solution-oriented way. Quality, connection and inclusivity are the foundation of our culture.
In our open community, students, researchers and staff collaborate with industrial and societal partners. This enables us to develop insights, applications and solutions that add value to society.
