PhD position on hermetic packaging of microfluidic sensor chips without glue or elastomers for ventilators and multi-infusion systems

Vacancies PhD position on hermetic packaging of microfluidic sensor chips without glue or elastomers for ventilators and multi-infusion systems To vacancy overview Apply now EEMCS PhD PhD position on hermetic packaging of microfluidic sensor chips without glue or elastomers for ventilators and multi-infusion systems We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate to push the boundaries in hermetic packaging of microfluidic sensor chips without using glue or elastomers. Apply now Hi! Are you my new colleague? Clara Stegehuis Hi! Are you my new colleague? Stefano Stramigioli Hi! Are you my new colleague? Britt Büter Hi! Are you my new colleague? Jeroen Blok Hi! Are you my new colleague? Ying Wang Hi! Are you my new colleague? Eline Meijerink Key takeaways Hours 40 hr. Salary indication Salary gross/monthly based on full-time € 3,204 - € 4,051 Deadline 30 Sep 2026 In medical equipment, many different gas flows need to be controlled, including gases such as O2, CO2, He, Xe, Kr, Ar, Ne, N2, N2O, and H2, all in varying concentrations ranging from 0 – 80%. Traces of up to 500 ppm of NO, CO, and H2S could occur in the gas mixture and should be detected. Some applications may require the use of gaseous anaesthetic agents such as isoflurane and desflurane. This also imposes demands on the chemical compatibility of the materials used. In multi-infusion systems, the flow meters need to measure the amount of liquid pharmaceuticals as well as multiparameter measurements to measure the composition and parameters of the pharmaceuticals. Typical liquids to be administered are noradrenaline, dopamine, dobutamine, morphine, insulin, glucose and saline solution. Whereas the flow sensors themselves are reaching the point that they can meet the required performance, an essential final problem still needs to be resolved. Namely, the connection of the flow sensor chip to the outside world without elastomer seal or glue, since these wetted materials can pose unacceptable risks in these applications. In breathing systems, elastomers can release volatile substances (VOCs) in the breathing gas path that the patient inhales directly. With multi-infusion systems, unwanted interactions between the glue and the different medications can occur, causing the glue to dissolve or the medication to become ineffective. This issue limits the application of microfluidics in the aforementioned demanding fields. This project aims to find methods to eliminate these urgent packaging issues. As the demand for advanced ventilators and multi-infusion systems grows, finding a suitable “glueless” sealing method will become a key solution in bringing MEMS based microfluidic flow meters to the medical and other markets, driving further innovation in healthcare and related technologies. The goal of this project is to find a reliable packaging technique for silicon chips with embedded microfluidic channels that does not involve the use of glue or elastomer seals. The project will focus on microfluidic channels with a channel wall of low-stress silicon-rich silicon nitride. The proposed research aims to study the fundamentals of bonding glass or metals to silicon nitride coated silicon wafers as well as accessing the feasibility of using these bonding methods for MEMS-based microfluidic sensor packaging. The targeted output of the project is a glueless sealing technique which allows to hermetically seal the fluidic channels of a MEMS-based microfluidic sensor to a fluidic adaptor. The seal shall be able to withstand pressures up to 30 bar at a temperature range between -20°C and 70°C. To extend the applicability of the microfluidic sensor, only inert materials for the seal and the adaptor will be considered. The main challenges are (1) exploring the most promising bonding techniques that should be investigated, (2) carry out bonding experiments and analyse the results (3) design, fabrication and packaging of actual sensor chips in the MESA+ cleanroom and (4) evaluation of the resulting performance in our MEMS measurement lab. The PhD candidate will work at the Integrated Devices and Systems (IDS) group within the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) at the University of Twente in Enschede, the Netherlands. You will carry out the research at the University of Twente, with guidance from senior scientists and support from a senior engineer. Various teaching activities in your field of expertise may take up to 20% of your time. Your profile You are highly motivated and an enthusiastic researcher. You have an MSc degree in electrical engineering, nanotechnology, applied physics, mechanical engineering, materials science, or a related topic, with excellent theoretical and experimental skills. You have shown an affinity for microfabrication, electronics, MEMS and/or sensors. You have good team spirit and like to work in an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented environment. You are fluent in English. Our offer As a PhD candidate at UT, you will be appointed to a full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year, within a very stimulating and exciting scientific environment; The University offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues; Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU); You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 3.204,- (first year) to € 4.051,- (fourth year); There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme; The flexibility to work (partially) from home; A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis. Free access to sports facilities on campus A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid); You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision; We encourage a high degree of responsibility and independence, while collaborating with close colleagues, researchers and other staff. Information and application Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before October 1, 2026 , and include: A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of all courses attended and grades obtained, and, if applicable, a list of publications and references. A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4), emphasising your specific interest, qualifications, motivations to apply for this position. For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact dr. ir. R.J. Wiegerink at R.J.Wiegerink@utwente.nl . Screening is part of the selection process. Apply now Share this vacancy About the department The IDS group is part of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, and Computer Science. The research group studies electronic and electromechanical components and develops new concepts for nanoscale materials, devices and systems using nano- and microfabrication techniques. One ambition of the IDS group is to combine its experience in both semiconductor and MEMS technologies to design, fabricate and characterise novel smart sensing devices. IDS contributes to the MESA+ Institute and has a strong track records in knowledge transfers to the semiconductor industry. MESA+ is the largest research institute of the University of Twente. The institute trains graduate students and PhD-students and conducts research in the fields of nanotechnology, microsystems, materials science and microelectronics. Unique of MESA+ is its multidisciplinary composition. About the organisation The faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) uses mathematics, electronics and computer technology to contribute to the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). With ICT present in almost every device and product we use nowadays, we embrace our role as contributors to a broad range of societal activities and as pioneers of tomorrow's digital society. As part of a tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute. Want to know more? Wiegerink, R.J. (Remco) Associate Professor Wiegerink, R.J. (Remco) Associate Professor Do you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Remco 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 Phone: +31534892718 Email: r.j.wiegerink@utwente.nl 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. Apply now 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 Wiegerink, R.J. (Remco) Personal page Lötters, J.C. (Joost) Personal page Kampman, M.L. (Marthe) Personal page LinkedIn About the faculty EEMCS Curious about what the faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) stands for? Check out the EEMCS website for more information. Go to the EEMCS website A job that matters Create new opportunities for yourself, your colleagues and our society. Scientist or teacher, administrator or facilitator, thinker or doer, energetic leader or silent support – your work at the University of Twente matters. And you too! Stories from UT'ers 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.” Browse all jobs

• You are fluent in English.
• You are highly motivated and an enthusiastic researcher.
• You have an MSc degree in electrical engineering, nanotechnology, applied physics, mechanical engineering, materials science, or a related topic, with excellent theoretical and experimental skills.
• You have shown an affinity for microfabrication, electronics, MEMS and/or sensors.
• You have good team spirit and like to work in an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented environment.

• Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU)
• You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 3.204,- (first year) to € 4.051,- (fourth year)
• There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme
• Free access to sports facilities on campus
• A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid)
• The flexibility to work (partially) from home
• A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
• As a PhD candidate at UT, you will be appointed to a full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year, within a very stimulating and exciting scientific environment
• You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision
• We encourage a high degree of responsibility and independence, while collaborating with close colleagues, researchers and other staff.
• The University offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues