PhD Opportunity – Nanotechnology for MEMS-Based Flow & Gas Sensors

The University of Twente invites applications for a PhD in nanotechnology-driven MEMS design. Develop cutting-edge miniature sensors that combine mechanical and thermal principles for advanced gas flow and composition monitoring.

Field of Research

Nanotechnology, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, Electronics, Sensor Design

📌 Key Details

🧪 About the Project

This PhD focuses on nanoscale MEMS sensors that merge thermal and mechanical sensing to create a new class of multifunctional flow and gas composition sensors. While traditional thermal sensors measure heat transfer based on gas properties, and mechanical sensors track flow via structure displacement, combining them yields richer, more precise data.

Key nanotechnology components include:

• Micromachined sensor structures fabricated using cleanroom-based silicon micromachining

• Integration of MEMS devices within microchannels using surface channel technology

• Application of nanoscale mechanics to detect viscosity, density, specific heat, and thermal conductivity of gases

Your role will involve:

• Designing next-gen MEMS sensor topologies

• Modeling sensor behavior at the nano-micro interface

• Fabricating prototypes in the MESA+ cleanroom

• Testing nanoscale performance in real-world conditions

🎓 Candidate Profile

• MSc in Nanotechnology, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, or similar

• Experience with microfabrication, MEMS, sensor systems, or nanoelectronics

• Strong interest in nano-enabled sensing platforms

• Fluent in English and comfortable in interdisciplinary, international teams

💡 What’s Offered

• 4-year fully funded PhD at one of Europe’s top nanotech institutes (MESA+)

• Training through Twente Graduate School

• Access to world-class cleanroom and MEMS labs

• Flexible hybrid work model

• Generous leave + full access to campus sports facilities

🏛 About the Lab & Institute

You’ll be hosted in the Integrated Devices and Systems (IDS) group, part of UT’s Faculty of EEMCS and the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology – Europe’s largest nanotech research center. IDS focuses on smart nano-electronic and nano-mechanical devices, with deep ties to industry and TU Delft (sensor interfacing partner).

🔗 Useful Links

• 🧠 Official Job Page

• 🧪 MESA+ Institute

• 🧲 IDS Group Overview