Johan Hoefnagels

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 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.