Engin Topan

This PhD position at the University of Twente focuses on the design of forward and reverse supply chains for additive manufacturing in maintenance, as part of the multidisciplinary ADD-reAM project. The successful candidate will join the Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences section within the High-tech Business & Entrepreneurship department of the Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences. The project aims to develop dynamic supply chain models for repositioning additive manufacturing equipment based on Defence requirements, investigate optimal deployment levels for AM in repair and spare parts support, and integrate forward and reverse flows in manufacturing and maintenance environments. The research will optimize strategies for part repair and replacement using AM, including consolidation and direct repair options, and will involve collaboration on real-life case studies with the Ministry of Defence and industry partners such as GKN and ProRail. The position offers a stimulating research environment, excellent mentorship, and a personal development program within the Twente Graduate School. The university provides a full-time, 4-year PhD contract with a competitive salary, generous benefits, and full employee status, including pension and healthcare. Applicants must have an MSc in a relevant field, strong quantitative modelling and optimization skills, and excellent English proficiency. Security screening by the Dutch government is required, and candidates must be citizens of a NATO member country due to the sensitive nature of the research. The Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences is committed to diversity, inclusion, and supporting work-life balance. The application deadline is 8 November 2025, and interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV, course list with grades, and proof of English proficiency if applicable. For further information, contact Dr. Engin Topan or Dr. Matthieu van der Heijden.

The University of Twente is offering a fully funded 4-year PhD position focused on the design of forward and reverse supply chains for additive manufacturing (AM) in maintenance, within the Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences section of the High-tech Business & Entrepreneurship department. The research is part of the ADD-reAM project, a large multidisciplinary initiative involving 18 researchers across 7 universities, and includes collaboration with the Dutch Ministry of Defence and industry partners such as GKN and ProRail. The project aims to develop dynamic supply chain models for AM, optimize equipment repositioning in conflict zones and industrial contexts, study product structure levels for AM repair and spare parts, and integrate forward and reverse flows in maintenance and manufacturing. Candidates will work on real-world case studies and contribute to strategies for repair versus replacement using AM. Applicants must have an MSc in Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, Operations Management, or a related field, with experience in quantitative modelling, optimization, and decision support. Strong academic writing, communication skills, and an international mindset are required. English proficiency must be demonstrated (IELTS ≥6.5, TOEFL iBT ≥90, or Cambridge CAE-C). Due to collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, applicants must be citizens of a NATO member country and pass Dutch government security screening. The position offers a gross monthly salary from €3,059 to €3,881, pension, holiday and end-of-year bonuses, parental leave, training, and full employee status. The application deadline is 8 November 2025. To apply, submit a cover letter, CV with courses and grades, publications (if any), references, and proof of English proficiency. For questions, contact Dr. Engin Topan or Dr. Matthieu Van Der Heijden.