Doctor of Engineering (EngD) for an elastomer development for load lock gate valves.

Job description

The project objectives are to develop/select the best elastomer material and shape for the dynamic seals on the load lock gate valve that has extremely low particle generation. Part of the project is also to investigate the possible failure/particle generation mechanisms of elastomers.

The following tasks are part of the assignment:

Literature study

• Create an overview of elastomeric materials used in semiconductor industries
• Create an overview of known failure mechanisms of elastomeric materials that can lead to particle generation or early failure
• Map most important material properties needed to meet the provided requirements
• If available, select readily available elastomer(s) for testing under relevant conditions

Design/Develop

• If no existing elastomeric material suits the requirements, design and develop an elastomeric seal that meets the requirements

Test

• Show the feasibility of the selected or developed seal designs by testing against provided requirements, with a focus on low particle generation

Your profile

You should have :

• MSc graduate in Material Engineering in the field of rubber and interest in failure mechanisms
• strong analytical skills and good communication skills
• can-do mindset, the ambition and talent to find solutions/craft designs
• strong problem-solving abilities and out-of-the-box thinking
• very good communication and interpersonal skills, teamwork, self-initiative, self-motivation and capacity to deliver accurate work are equally appreciated
• professional command of English (at least level B2 (Cambridge or equivalent), both written and spoken) is mandatory.

Our offer

• A very challenging position in an inspiring multidisciplinary environment.
• A tailor-made post-master design program that has an educational component (~50%) as well as a design project (~50%).
• On successfully completing the program, you will receive a certified and recognized degree. You will be entitled to use the academic degree EngD (Engineering Doctorate), and will be registered as a Technological Designer in the Dutch register kept by the Royal Institution of Engineers in the Netherlands (KIVI).
• A salary of € 2.089 gross per month.
• An annual holiday allowance of 8%
• An annual year-end bonus of 8.3%.
• A solid pension scheme.
• Minimum of 29 leave days in case of full-time employment.

Information and application

If you have any further questions about this vacancy or the EngD programme in Material Engineering, please contact Prof. dr. Matthijn de Rooij at m.b.derooij@utwente.nl or Prof. Dr. Anke Blume at a.blume@utwente.nl.

You can find more information about the EngD program at Engineering Doctorate

Applications should at least include:

• A curriculum vitae including publications and references (if available)
• A cover letter
• A list with grades of courses

Please submit your application before February  28th 2023 by using the “Apply now” button.

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.