The challenge

Soft functional materials are essential in the field of sensing, robotics, and diagnostics. They find applications in structural health monitoring of composites, aerodynamic parameters measurement in aircraft and wind turbines, and detecting biophysical signals within the human body. Inkjet technology stands out as a promising additive manufacturing method to construct functional micro/nanoparticles for these soft materials.

The aim of the PhD position is to advance inkjet printing for the creation of customizable soft functional materials with electrical property. This entails investigating and developing suitable inks containing conductive materials such as silver nanoparticles, copper nanoparticles, conductive polymers or hydrogel-based conductive materials. One key aspect of this project involves enhancing the stability of ejected liquid jets or droplet trains by applying particles at the interface. Innovative methods will be explored to effectively couple nanoparticles with microdroplets. Understanding the underlying dynamics of such coating systems will in turn bring new development of functional inks.

Initially, the focus will be on microcapsules and stimuli-responsive conductive soft materials. However, the opportunity to explore new avenues will be readily available. You will focus on fundamental and applied aspects of inkjet technology, for which The University of Twente offers a world-class setting for this endeavor, exemplified by our recent publications (see e.g. https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202208894; advances.sciencemag.org/content/4/1/eaao1175.full). You will develop and test materials, while learning a transferable skill set in experimental fluid mechanics, microparticle development, and writing highly visible scientific publications.

Goal: Understanding and application of new inkjet printing methods for functional electrically conductive materials for sensing applications.

How: By combining your skills in materials science, chemistry, or (micro) fluid mechanics with our high-throughput In-Air microfluidics setup and knowledge of microparticle applications.

Why: There is a strong demand for microcapsules that are able to act as local sensors for the pressure or temperature, for example as flow tracers in the study of aerodynamics and sensors for medical applications.

Where: You will work in the Fluid Mechanics for Functional Materials group at Faculty of Engineering Technology at the University of Twente.

• You have obtained a MSc degree in Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Physical Chemistry, or Applied Physics.
• You are motivated to develop new materials (by synthesis and/or combining commercial materials) and characterize these.
• You have acquired some experience in microfluidics or inkjet printing, or would learn these skills at the University of Twente, a leading institution in this field.
• You have written in-depth or high-profile scientific works and a strong ability to orally present results.
• You love working in a team in which fundamental and applied research cross-fertilize.
• You have excellent social and communication skills, in academic as well as non-academic contexts.
• You have a creative and critical attitude, combined with perseverance and being flexible and stress-resistant.

• We offer you an exciting position in an inspiring multidisciplinary environment. The university offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues in which internationalization is an important part of the strategic agenda.
• We offer a four-year fulltime PhD position.
• We provide a stimulating, modern research environment with world-class research facilities.
• You will be part of a dedicated team with which you will collaborate extensively with industry.
• A starting salary of €2.770,- gross per month in the first year and increasing to €3.539,- gross per month in the fourth year.
• An annual holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, and an annual year-end bonus of 8.3%.
• A solid pension scheme.
• Minimum of 29 leave days in case of full-time employment.
• We provide excellent mentorship and a stimulating research environment to accelerate your further professional and personal growth.
• The University of Twente is situated on a green and lively campus with lots of facilities for sports and other activities.