The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) invites applications for a fully funded PhD position in the micromechanical modelling of particle generation during silicon wafer handling. This research is situated within the renowned Mechanics of Materials (MoM) section, which is internationally recognized for its high-level research in experimental analysis, theoretical understanding, and predictive modelling of complex mechanical behaviour in engineering materials. The project addresses a critical challenge in the manufacturing of micro- and nanoscale substrates: the generation of contaminating particles during wafer handling, which impacts yield and quality. The PhD research aims to develop predictive simulations of silicon particle detachment under contact conditions, enabling quantitative assessment of governing factors and mitigation strategies. The work will involve extending a particle-based method (implemented in LAMMPS) to incorporate transformation plasticity, damage, and fracture, starting from a preliminary particle-continuum model for silicon. Key tasks include improving constitutive models for silicon, developing bond-based fracture criteria, implementing and validating a damage model, extending contact formulations, and accounting for crystalline anisotropy. The project is highly interdisciplinary, requiring close collaboration with a parallel experimental project focused on measuring particle generation in silicon wafers, as well as with industrial partners such as VDL ETG. The MoM section provides a state-of-the-art computing infrastructure and a vibrant research environment. The PhD candidate will benefit from advanced training programs, including those organized by the Dutch Graduate School on Engineering Mechanics. Applicants should hold an MSc in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field, with a strong background in continuum and computational mechanics. Additional experience in materials science, metallurgy, experimental mechanics, or related areas is advantageous. Excellent analytical skills, creativity, initiative, and fluency in English (C1) are required. The position offers a four-year full-time contract, competitive salary (scale P: €3,059–€3,881/month), year-end bonus, vacation pay, pension, paid parental leave, and allowances for commuting and home working. International candidates may benefit from a tax compensation scheme. To apply, submit your application online with a cover letter, CV, official grade lists, publication list, MSc thesis summary, references, and a detailed list of relevant skills. The deadline is January 10, 2026, but applications will be reviewed as received. For scientific inquiries, contact Prof. Marc Geers or Prof. Johan Hoefnagels. For HR questions, contact [email protected].

This PhD position at Eindhoven University of Technology focuses on multiscale modelling of recycled stainless green steels, aiming to advance sustainable steelmaking and reduce carbon emissions through materials recycling. The project addresses the challenges posed by scrap-induced variations in chemical composition, which can affect the mechanical performance and phase transformations of stainless steels during processing. The research will develop a predictive framework linking microstructural contamination by tramp elements to engineering properties, essential for the successful introduction of green steels in high-end applications. The work involves extensive literature review, development of a multiscale model for strain-induced martensitic phase transformations in austenitic metastable steels, incorporation of crystal plasticity at the meso-scale, and validation of macroscopic thermo-mechanical properties. The project is based in the internationally recognized Mechanics of Materials section, which specializes in experimental analysis, theoretical understanding, and predictive modelling of complex mechanical behavior in engineering materials. The candidate will benefit from state-of-the-art computing infrastructure, interdisciplinary collaboration with industrial partners such as Philips and Alleima, and advanced PhD-level training through the Dutch Graduate School on Engineering Mechanics. The position offers full-time employment for four years, competitive salary and benefits, and opportunities for professional development. Applicants must have a strong background in computational and continuum mechanics, excellent academic records, and proficiency in English. The application process is online and requires submission of a cover letter, CV, publication list, thesis/project descriptions, references, and grade lists. The university provides a dynamic, international research environment, technical infrastructure, and support for international candidates.

This fully funded PhD position at Eindhoven University of Technology offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the micromechanical experimental analysis of particle generation in silicon wafer handling. The project is situated within the renowned Mechanics of Materials section of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, which is internationally recognized for its research in experimental analysis, theoretical understanding, and predictive modelling of complex mechanical behavior in engineering materials. The research aims to address the critical issue of particle contamination in micro- and nanoscale substrate manufacturing, focusing on the mechanisms of phase transformation, plasticity, damage, and fracture in silicon during wafer handling. The successful candidate will develop and apply advanced experimental techniques, including in-situ scratch testing with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction, transmission Kikuchi diffraction, and atomic force microscopy, to quantitatively assess the micromechanisms governing particle detachment. The project will map out deformation regimes, quantify wear particle volume and size distributions, and formulate mitigation strategies to reduce particle generation. Collaboration with a parallel numerical modelling project and industrial partners such as VDL ETG ensures a multidisciplinary and application-driven research environment. The position offers full-time employment for four years, with a competitive salary (scale P: €3,059–€3,881/month), year-end bonus, vacation pay, pension scheme, paid parental leave, and additional allowances for commuting and home working. International candidates benefit from a dedicated Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme. The university provides high-quality training programs, excellent technical infrastructure, and a vibrant academic community on a green campus in Eindhoven. Applicants must hold a MSc degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Applied Physics, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field, with a strong background in experimental micromechanics and excellent grades. Additional expertise in materials science, metallurgy, microscopy, mechanical testing, and computational mechanics is advantageous. Fluency in English (C1 level) and motivation to work in an interdisciplinary, collaborative setting are essential. The application package should include a cover letter, detailed CV, official grade lists, and a list of relevant skills and experience. Applications are accepted online only, with screening ongoing until the deadline of January 10, 2026. For scientific inquiries, contact Prof. Johan Hoefnagels or Prof. Marc Geers. For HR-related questions, contact [email protected]. For more information and to apply, visit the official application link.

The section Mechanics of Materials (MoM) at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), is offering 11 PhD positions as part of its Excellence & Sustainability Programme. This initiative aims to advance high-tech applications and state-of-the-art modelling and experimentation of advanced sustainable materials across multiple scales. The MoM section is internationally recognized for its research in experimental analysis, theoretical understanding, and predictive modelling of complex thermo-mechanical behaviour in engineering materials, focusing on phenomena such as plasticity, damage, and fracture. The research leverages an integrated numerical-experimental approach and benefits from a state-of-the-art computing infrastructure. The PhD projects are embedded in four major programmes: Green Steels: Addressing the sustainability transition in the Dutch steel sector, this programme investigates how new processing routes affect the microstructure and properties of green steels, aiming for CO2 neutrality by 2050. Physics-Based Design of Hydrogen-Resistant Steels: Tackling the challenge of hydrogen embrittlement in steel, this programme uses materials physics, computational modelling, and targeted experiments to develop digital twin frameworks for virtual assessment and optimization of steel microstructures, crucial for the hydrogen economy. Thermal Interfaces at Cryogenic Conditions: Developing multiscale models to understand how microstructural changes and contact conditions at cryogenic temperatures influence thermal and mechanical properties, supporting innovation in quantum computing, medical imaging, and high-tech manufacturing. Wafer Handling: Investigating the mechanical interaction and surface quality of silicon wafers under contact loading, essential for reliable lithographic processes in electronic device fabrication. All projects involve close collaboration with industry partners such as SKF, Tata Steel, Philips, Alleima, APS, Thermo Fisher Scientific, ASML, AAE, MI-Partners, and VDL. Supervisors for the projects include Ron Peerlings, Marc Geers, Karo Sedighiani, Olaf van der Sluis, and Johan Hoefnagels. Successful candidates will join a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and international research environment, with access to excellent technical infrastructure, training programs, and support for personal and professional development. The positions are fully funded for four years, with competitive salary and benefits, including pension, paid leave, bonuses, and allowances for commuting and home working. International candidates benefit from a dedicated Staff Immigration Team and tax compensation scheme. Applicants must have a MSc degree in a relevant field, excellent academic grades, and strong skills in mechanics of materials, continuum mechanics, or experimental mechanics. Additional expertise in materials science, metallurgy, mechanical testing, micromechanics, or structure-property relationships is advantageous. Fluency in English (C1 level) and motivation for interdisciplinary research and teaching are required. Applications are accepted online until April 30, 2026, or until all positions are filled. The selection process includes an excellence assessment and, for shortlisted candidates, detailed project information and mutual consultation. Early applications are encouraged as positions may be filled before the deadline. For further information, visit the MoM section website or contact [email protected].