PhD position in multi-material additive manufacturing for advanced chip cooling

We offer a fully funded 4-year PhD position within the University of Twente on the development of ultra-efficient cooling technologies for advanced semiconductor packaging. The project, UltraCool, combines materials science, additive manufacturing, thermal engineering, and semiconductor integration to enable direct bonding between silicon and high-conductivity metals such as copper.

The rapid growth of AI and high-performance computing is driving heat fluxes in advanced chip packages beyond 1,000 W/cm², making thermal management one of the key bottlenecks for future electronics. This PhD project aims to address this challenge through the design of novel interlayer alloys, development of multi-material Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) processes, and integration of cooling functionality directly into package-level demonstrators.

The research will focus on the thermodynamic design of interlayer alloy feedstocks, powder production and characterization, multi-material LPBF process optimization, and the investigation of interfacial physics governing residual stress, defect formation, and thermal transport across copper–silicon interfaces. You will work with characterization methods including SEM, EBSD, XRD, thermal conductivity analysis, and thermo-mechanical testing. The project also includes the fabrication and validation of package-level cooling demonstrators for direct and indirect chip cooling applications.

You will work in a highly interdisciplinary and international environment together with academic researchers and industrial partners active in semiconductor packaging, powder production, sensing technologies, and thermal management. The project offers excellent opportunities to contribute to high-impact scientific research while developing technologies with strong industrial relevance.

Your profile

We are looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic, and self-driven researcher who meets the following qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Materials Science and Engineering or another relevant engineering/science discipline.
• Strong interest in additive manufacturing, materials development, thermal management, and semiconductor packaging.
• Experience with materials characterization techniques such as SEM, EBSD, XRD, thermal characterization methods, and mechanical testing is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with additive manufacturing processes, particularly Laser Powder Bed Fusion, is an advantage.
• Knowledge of metallurgy or computational materials engineering is beneficial.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research environment.
• Strong analytical, experimental, and problem-solving skills.
• Motivation to contribute to both fundamental research and industrially relevant technology development.
• Excellent communication skills and proficiency in English, both spoken and written.

Our offer

• A fully funded 4-year PhD position in an ambitious and internationally recognized research environment.
• Excellent working conditions, an exciting scientific environment, and a green and lively campus with lots of sports facilities and an international scientific community. The terms of employment are in accordance with the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Universities (CAO)
• Gross monthly salary of € 3.059,- in the first year, which increases to € 3.881,- in the fourth year
• Excellent benefits include a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, a year-end bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
• You can make use of excellent facilities for professional and personal development and a training program in which you and your supervisor will make up a plan for additional suitable education and supervision.
• You will receive good secondary conditions, in accordance with the collective labor agreement CAO-NU for Dutch universities.
• We encourage a high degree of responsibility and independence while collaborating with close colleagues, researchers, and other university staff.

Information and application

Are you interested in being part of our team? Please send your application by November 1, 2026, via the "Apply Now" button and include the following documents:

• A cover letter (maximum one A4 page), emphasizing your motivation, relevant expertise, and interest in the project.
• A detailed CV including academic achievements, research experience, publications (if applicable), and contact information of at least three references.
• Academic transcripts from your Bachelor’s and Master’s studies.

For more information about this position, you are welcome to contact Dr. Davoud Jafari at [email protected].

The first (online) job interviews will take place on July 10.

Screening is part of the selection procedure.

About the department

The project at the University of Twente brings together scientists from the Faculties of Engineering Technology (ET).

ET: The Faculty of Engineering Technology engages in the education and research of Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Industrial Design Engineering. We enable society and industry to innovate and create value using efficient, solid, and sustainable technology. We are part of a ‘people-first' university of technology, taking our place as an internationally leading center for smart production, processes, and devices in five domains: Health Technology, Maintenance, Smart Regions, Smart Industry, and Sustainable Resources. Our faculty is home to about 2,900 Bachelor's and Master's students, 550 employees, and 150 PhD candidates. Our educational and research programs are closely connected with UT research institutes?Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Center and Digital Society Institute.

About the organisation

At the Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET), we work on engineering for impact: developing smart, sustainable, human-centred and technological solutions for societal challenges. We connect fundamental education, research and practice across five core domains: Asset & Maintenance engineering, Intelligent Manufacturing Systems, Personalised Health Technology, Resilience Engineering, and Sustainable Production, Energy and Resources.

We work on education and research in mechanical engineering, civil engineering and industrial design engineering. Together, we learn by making, creating, and innovating, addressing challenges in a solution-oriented way. Quality, connection and inclusivity are the foundation of our culture.

In our open community, students, researchers and staff collaborate with industrial and societal partners. This enables us to develop insights, applications and solutions that add value to society.

Want to know more

Jafari, D. (Davoud)
Assistant Professor

Jafari, D. (Davoud)
Assistant Professor

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Davoud for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.

Contact

How to apply

Step 1

Apply.
When you see a vacancy that appeals to you, you can apply online. We ask you to upload a CV and motivation letter and/or list of publications. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail.

Step 2

Selection.
The selection committee will review your application and you will receive a response within 2 weeks after the vacancy has been closed.

Step 3

1st interview.
The 1st (online or in person) meeting serves as an introduction where we introduce ourselves to you and you to us. You may be asked to give a short presentation. This will be further explained in the invitation.

Step 4

2nd interview.
In the second interview, we will further discuss the job content, your skills and your talents.

Step 5

The offer.
If the conversations are positive, you will be made a suitable offer. If applicable, we will sign you up for screening.

Your Colleagues

• Jafari, D. (Davoud)

  Personal page

• Vaneker, T.H.J. (Tom)

  Personal page

• Gibson, I. (Ian)

  Personal page

• Our mission
  Human Touch

  At the University of Twente, technology is all about people. We call this High Tech, Human Touch. This same belief is reflected in the way the Human Resources department operates. We believe that a strong organization starts with people who are given the space to grow, take initiative, and make a difference. That is why we are building a working environment in which everyone can thrive.

• Our mission
  We are a university of technology

  Our university is a public institution that serves society. We are accountable to society for the ways in which we use our academic freedom. We are responsible for ensuring that the power of science and technology is harnessed to achieve the best possible impact in a changing world. We cherish our rich tradition of combining technical and social sciences in our five profiling themes: Improving healthcare by personalized technologies; Creating intelligent manufacturing systems; Shaping our world with smart materials; Engineering our digital society; and Engineering for a resilient world.

• Our mission
  We help to strengthen society

  We help society meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. But we are also transparent about what science and technology can and cannot do in finding sustainable solutions. And help translate these solutions into everyday life.

• Our mission
  We are sustainable

  We want our communities to flourish and show resilience, so we seize opportunities for innovation. We are knowledgeable and have an eye for what society needs. Our students and staff receive all the guidance they need in their quest for ecological, social and economic sustainability.
  “The University of Twente is all about people. Our sustainable technologies help to strengthen society.”