EngD Position – Design of Polymer-Metal Interfaces for Low Friction Tribological Contacts – Uni[...]

Vacatureleeuw; Enschede; On-site; EUR 80.000 - 100.000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering research institute in the Netherlands seeks candidates for an EngD project focused on innovative surface treatments to reduce friction in mechanical systems. Candidates should have a Master's degree in mechanical engineering or related fields, with a strong background in tribology and excellent communication skills. This full-time position offers a gross salary of €3,029 per month, along with extensive professional development opportunities, a dynamic work environment, and a pathway to obtaining a recognized EngD degree.

Benefits

Salary of €3,029 gross/month

Annual holiday allowance of 8%

29 holidays per year

Access to state-of-the-art laboratories

Tailored professional development program

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in relevant fields required.
• Strong background in tribology and surface engineering needed.
• Experience with experimental or simulation techniques is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Explore materials and surface modification techniques.
• Conduct tribological testing under various conditions.
• Model and simulate interfacial behavior.

Skills

Tribology

Surface engineering

Polymer science

Experimental techniques

Simulation tools

Communication skills

Task management

Fluent English

Education

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Materials Science

Chemical Engineering

Tools

Tribometers

Microscopy

FEM

Molecular dynamics

Job description

Polymer-metal contacts are widely used in automotive, aerospace, and industrial machinery. However, achieving low friction and high durability remains a challenge due to complex interfacial phenomena.

This project aims to develop innovative surface treatments and interface designs that reduce friction and wear in high pressure mechanical systems, contributing to energy efficiency and extended component lifetimes.

Your Role

This EngD project will explore:

• Materials and surface modification techniques for metals and high-end polymers to reduce friction and wear under high contact pressures.
• Tribological testing under various environmental and loading conditions.
• Modeling and simulation of interfacial behavior.
• Integration of experimental and computational insights into design guidelines.

The project will be carried out in close collaboration with industrial partners and will include a strong design and application-oriented component, in line with the EngD philosophy.

Your Profile

• A Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong background in tribology, surface engineering, or polymer science.
• Experience with experimental techniques (e.g., tribometers, microscopy) and/or simulation tools (e.g., FEM, molecular dynamics) is a plus.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage an international research audience.
• A proactive mindset, capable of managing multiple tasks and meeting deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Fluent in English (spoken and written).

Our Offer

• Contract for two years (fulltime) in a Engineering Doctorate (EngD)- position
• Salary of € 3.029,- gross per month
• Annual holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, and an annual year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• Minimum of 29 holidays per year
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities.
• Supervision by leading experts in tribology and surface technology.
• A tailored professional development program including courses, workshops, and industry exposure.
• A recognized EngD degree upon successful completion. You will be registered as a Technological Designer in the Dutch register kept by the Royal Institution of Engineers in the Netherlands (KIVI).
• A work environment on a green and lively campus with sports and leisure facilities;