Theo Hofman

Eindhoven University of Technology, a leading research institution in the Netherlands, is offering six PhD positions focused on advancing design automation and diagnostics in the semiconductor industry. The university is renowned for its collaborative culture and strong ties to high-tech industries, particularly in the Brainport region. These positions span the departments of Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mathematics and Computer Science, and are aimed at solving complex, multidisciplinary challenges in system-level modelling, analysis, design, and synthesis for semiconductor equipment, especially lithography machines. The research topics include automated computational design synthesis of system topologies, scenario-based system-level performance engineering, timing-aware distributed supervisory controller synthesis, AI-driven legacy system explanation and refactoring, data mining for diagnostics using knowledge graphs and foundation models, and automating health monitoring in semiconductor equipment. Each project is supervised by leading academics and involves collaboration with industry partners such as ASML AI Research. Candidates will work in a vibrant, interdisciplinary environment, receive comprehensive training, and benefit from excellent employment conditions including a four-year contract, competitive salary, bonuses, pension, paid leave, and support for international staff. Applicants must have a master’s degree in a relevant field and demonstrate strong analytical, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. Specific expertise in software engineering, programming, cyber-physical systems, formal methods, AI, data mining, control theory, and related areas is required for certain positions. Applications are accepted online until November 30, 2025, and should include a cover letter, CV, and references. The university provides a supportive infrastructure, professional development opportunities, and a dynamic campus environment. For more information, candidates are encouraged to contact the listed supervisors or HR services.

The Eindhoven University of Technology invites applications for a fully funded PhD position in Computational Modeling, Optimization, and Systems Engineering for Battery Systems. Hosted by the Department of Mechanical Engineering, this research opportunity is part of the CIMBATT project, an ambitious 8-year program focused on developing innovative and circular battery packs for heavy-duty mobility applications, including trucks, buses, mobile machines, maritime, and aviation sectors. The successful candidate will join a dynamic research group collaborating with leading industry partners in the Dutch battery ecosystem. The project aims to advance battery pack design and optimization for electric powertrains, emphasizing purpose-driven topology design and vertical integration into vehicle architectures. You will develop automated simulation frameworks that combine electro-thermal-mechanical models to enable fast charging and robust performance, and create hierarchical design environments (cell → module → pack → vehicle) for flexible, automated workflows. Key research topics include battery pack topology optimization, integration of e-powertrain components (motor, inverter, onboard charger), and the development of universal tools for early-stage system definition, including cell selection, arrangement, battery sizing, lifetime estimation, and modularity strategies. The work will be validated through collaboration with industrial partners, ensuring practical impact and benchmarking against real-world designs. In addition to research, the PhD student will contribute to the department’s educational programs by assisting in courses and co-supervising BSc and MSc students, gaining valuable teaching and mentoring experience. The position offers full-time employment for four years, with competitive salary and benefits in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. International candidates benefit from a dedicated Staff Immigration Team and a 30% tax compensation scheme. Applicants should hold a master’s degree in Systems and Control, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related field, with strong skills in computational modeling, simulation, and optimization algorithms. Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or similar tools is required, along with a research-oriented attitude, interdisciplinary teamwork skills, and fluency in English (C1 level). The university provides a vibrant, international academic environment, high-quality training programs, excellent technical infrastructure, and comprehensive support for personal and professional development. The campus is located in the heart of the Brainport region, renowned for its high-tech industry and collaborative innovation. To apply, submit your application online including a cover letter, CV, and contact details for three references. The position will remain open until filled, with a final application deadline of January 11, 2026. For further information, contact Prof. Theo Hofman at [email protected].

Eindhoven University of Technology is offering six PhD positions focused on advancing design automation, diagnostics, and AI applications for complex semiconductor systems, particularly lithography machines. These positions span the departments of Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mathematics and Computer Science, and are designed to address the limitations of current domain-specific automation solutions by developing holistic, system-level approaches. The research topics include automated computational design synthesis of system topologies, scenario-based compositional system-level performance engineering, timing-aware distributed supervisory controller synthesis, AI-driven legacy system explanation and refactoring, data mining for diagnostics using knowledge graphs and foundation models, and automating health monitoring in semiconductor equipment. Each project is supervised by leading academics and, in some cases, involves collaboration with industrial partners such as ASML AI Research. Candidates will work on cutting-edge challenges such as system architecture exploration, model-based performance engineering, supervisory control synthesis, generative AI for software maintenance, advanced diagnostic frameworks, and predictive monitoring technologies. Applicants should have strong backgrounds in relevant fields, with specific skills required for each position, such as software engineering, formal methods, control theory, and AI. The positions offer the opportunity to contribute to innovation in the Brainport region and beyond, working in interdisciplinary teams and with internationally recognized industrial partners. Funding details are not specified in the announcement. Interested candidates should apply online via the AcademicTransfer link, submitting their CV, motivation letter, and transcripts, and indicating their preferred PhD project(s).

The Eindhoven University of Technology invites applications for a fully funded PhD position in Multi‑Domain System Topology Design Automation. This interdisciplinary project aims to advance the state-of-the-art in system-level modelling, analysis, and design automation, with a focus on the semiconductor industry and high-tech system innovation in the Brainport region. The research will address the challenge of automating the synthesis of system topologies, integrating mechanical, electrical, software, data-science, and AI expertise to enable holistic system-level design beyond current domain-specific solutions. The successful candidate will join a collaborative team spanning the Departments of Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mathematics & Computer Science. The project involves developing computational methods for automated design synthesis, generating and evaluating innovative system topologies, and leveraging generative AI and optimization techniques. The research will contribute to the co-design of architecture, functionality, and performance in complex, multi-domain systems, with applications in advanced manufacturing, energy, and healthcare technologies. Applicants should have a master’s degree in systems and control, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, mathematics, or computer science. Strong programming skills (Matlab and/or Python), experience with generative AI, and a solid background in system-design methodologies are required. The ideal candidate will be analytical, collaborative, and motivated to work in an interdisciplinary, international environment. Fluency in English (C1 level) and a willingness to participate in teaching activities (10-15% of time) are expected. The position offers a four-year full-time contract, with salary and benefits according to the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (scale P: €3,059 - €3,881/month), year-end bonus, vacation pay, pension, parental leave, and allowances for commuting and internet. International candidates benefit from a tax compensation scheme (30% facility) and support from the Staff Immigration Team. The university provides excellent research infrastructure, training, and a vibrant academic community in the heart of the Brainport Eindhoven tech region. To apply, submit your application online via the provided link, including a cover letter, CV with publications, and contact details for three references. The vacancy remains open until filled, with priority given to complete applications. For further information, contact Prof. Theo Hofman ([email protected]).