PhD in Low-Energy Manufacturing of Silicon Carbide | TU/e & DTU - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Introduction

Are you eager to make energy-intensive manufacturing more sustainable? Join us to pioneer a low-energy production route for one of engineering's most exceptional — and most challenging — materials.

Job Description

The challenge you'll take on

Silicon carbide (SiC) is one of the most remarkable engineering materials — extraordinarily hard, thermally stable, chemically resistant — yet notoriously difficult and energy-intensive to produce. This PhD project sets out to change that, by pioneering an entirely new, low-energy manufacturing route for SiC. You will combine advanced sintering techniques, materials characterization, and optimization tools to push the boundaries of what is possible in ceramic manufacturing.

Your impact

The materials you help develop could end up in nuclear fusion reactors, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, aerospace components, and next-generation energy systems. Beyond the lab, your work contributes directly to decarbonizing energy-intensive industries — one of Europe's most urgent industrial challenges.

Your environment

You will be embedded in the Mechanics of Materials section at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, TU/e, working with Prof. Diletta Giuntini and a team with expertise in sintering mechanics, materials characterization, and manufacturing optimization.

This position is part of the EuroTech Universities Alliance, a partnership of leading European technical universities. You will spend extended research stays at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), working with Prof. Apurv Dash, whose expertise in ceramic chemistry perfectly complements the work at TU/e. You will also interact with industrial partners, gaining real-world exposure to ceramic manufacturing.

Job Requirements

You hold (or are close to completing) a Master's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field. You are curious, hands-on, and motivated by the idea that better materials and manufacturing routes can make the world more sustainable. Experience with materials processing or characterization is a plus — but above all, we are looking for someone who enjoys tackling open scientific questions and working both independently and collaboratively. You are motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students, and you are fluent in spoken and written English.

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you: 

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment. 
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881).  
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%. 
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process. 
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.  
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates. 

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us

We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering department conducts world-class research aligned with the technological interests of the high-tech industry in the Netherlands, with a focus on the Brainport region. Our goal is to produce engineers who are both scientifically educated and application-driven by providing a balanced education and research program that combines fundamental and application aspects. We equip our graduates with practical and theoretical expertise, preparing them optimally for future challenges.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Diletta Giuntini, d.giuntini@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact HR Services ME, hrservices.me@tue.nl.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.
• A short description of your Master Thesis, including a statement of novelty.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.