Postdoctoral position in Precision Engineering

Job description

The chair of Precision Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering Technology of the University of Twente invites applications for a postdoctoral position within the Chair of Precision Engineering. The focus is on advancing modelling techniques for precision design and control.

The field of high-performance mechatronics produces the world’s most accurate machines for fields such as healthcare, semicon and energy. These machines are highly complex, with a large number of components and multi-domain interactions. Our team at Precision Engineering innovates in this field. We develop and leverage flexible multibody dynamics software to create models that enable design optimization and motion control of these systems. In particular, we specialize in the use of flexure mechanisms (sometimes: compliant mechanisms) to achieve highly precise motion requirements.

The aim of the project is to further develop the numerical modelling techniques, ranging from the flexible multibody dynamics formulation, gradient-based optimization to model reduction techniques and hardware acceleration, with the goal to perform design optimization and model-based control.

Please note that this vacancy is only open to female scientists. This is part of the University of Twente’s strategy to increase the proportion of women among its faculty and to create a working environment that is diverse, inclusive and supportive of excellence in research and teaching.

Your profile

• You obtain a PhD degree and background in mechatronics, mechanical engineering, applied mathematics, or similar areas. Affinity with precision mechatronics is advantageous. 
• You have affinity with design of precision mechanism and numerical analysis,(flexible) multibody dynamics formulations, gradient-based optimization, complex systems with nonlinear elasticity and multi-domain interactions, model reduction techniques, model-based motion control and design optimization.
• You have proficiency in English, both spoken and written.

Our offer

• A temporary full time Postdoc position for 2 years.
• Interesting temporary research position in a dynamic and international environment, combining the benefits of academic research with a topic of high industrial relevance.
• Gross salary between € 3.877,- and € 5.090,- per month depending on experience and qualifications;
• Excellent benefits including 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.
• You will receive good secondary conditions, in accordance with the collective labor agreement CAO-NU for Dutch universities.

Information and application

Please submit your application before 31 May 2024 using the "Apply now" button, and include the following:

• curriculum vitae
• letter of motivation
• a link to the Ph.D. thesis
• contact information of 2 references
• list of publications

For more information, you can contact dr.ir. Marijn Nijenhuis, by email: m.nijenhuis@utwente.nl.

About the organisation

The Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) engages in 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 programmes are closely connected with UT research institutes Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Center and Digital Society Institute.