Jurriaan Schmitz

The University of Twente’s Integrated Devices & Systems (IDS) and Power Electronics (PE) groups are offering a PhD position focused on the physics of tunnelling devices for ultralow-power electronics, as part of the TunnelVision project. This research aims to explore the feasibility of novel ultralow-power electronics leveraging quantum-mechanical tunnelling processes in advanced CMOS technology, with significant potential for Internet-of-Things (IoT) and edge artificial intelligence applications. The project is a collaborative effort, led by the Integrated-Circuit Design (ICD) group, and involves close cooperation with a second PhD student developing ultralow-power circuit blocks based on tunnelling. The successful candidate will experimentally study quantum-mechanical tunnelling processes, address the physics and device modelling/simulation aspects of new tunnelling devices, and use dedicated electrical DC and RF measurement equipment to develop and analyse specially designed test structures and devices. A key challenge will be to co-develop physics-based models for circuit simulations, informed by a thorough literature review and research outcomes. The position offers daily guidance from experienced supervisors, Dr. Ray Hueting (PE group) and Prof. Jurriaan Schmitz (IDS group), with additional support from a senior engineer. Collaboration is central, involving extensive interaction with scientific staff and industry partners such as NXP Semiconductors. The role also includes teaching activities in the candidate’s field of expertise, accounting for 10%-20% of the time. The research is conducted within the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS), a multidisciplinary environment with strong ties to industry and international research institutes. The project is funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) in Applied and Engineering Sciences (TTW). Applicants should have a Master’s degree in physics, electrical engineering, or a related field, with a strong background in quantum mechanics, semiconductor device physics, and experimental techniques. Proficiency in English is required. Applications must include a CV, cover letter, and, if applicable, a list of publications and references. The deadline for applications is January 5, 2026.

The University of Twente is offering a PhD position in the research area of viscosity sensing of liquids using ultrasound . The project is hosted by the Integrated Devices & Systems (IDS) and Engineering Dynamics (ED) groups within the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS). The work sits at the intersection of sensor technology, experimental physics, fluid mechanics, and signal analysis, with a strong focus on developing ultrasound-based methods that can extract liquid properties beyond flow speed, especially viscosity . The project builds on a commercialised ultrasound flow sensor and aims to expand its capabilities so that additional fluid properties can be determined more reliably. This has clear industrial relevance in contexts where liquid composition and quality need to be monitored, such as food processing, drug production, microchips, and solar panel manufacturing. A key scientific goal is to design experiments, generate and analyse ultrasound signals in different sensor configurations, and connect measured signals to the properties of the liquid under study. The position is funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) and is a full-time PhD appointment for four years. The role includes a qualifier in the first year and participation in the Twente Graduate School training programme. The salary follows the Dutch university collective labour agreement, with a gross monthly salary rising from €3,059 in the first year to €3,881 in the fourth year, alongside standard benefits such as holiday allowance, end-of-year bonus, pension scheme, and flexible working options. Supervision will be provided by experienced academics and researchers: Dr. Ir. Cora Salm , Prof. Jurriaan Schmitz , and Prof. Richard Loendersloot , with support from senior engineer Remco Sanders . Part of the research will be conducted in the laboratories of Bronkhorst High-Tech BV in Ruurlo, giving the project a strong applied and collaborative industrial dimension. Teaching activities in the candidate’s field of expertise will account for about 10%–20% of working time. Applicants should hold an MSc degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, applied physics, or materials science. The ideal candidate is highly motivated, enthusiastic about experimentation, able to work well in a team, comfortable in an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented environment, and fluent in English. The application deadline is 16 August 2026 . Interested candidates should apply through the online application system and submit a CV, course list and grades, and a cover letter describing their interest, qualifications, and motivation.