[PhD-Netherland] researchers on ‘Closed-Loop Embedded MEMS-based Precision Stage’ (CLEMPS)

The department of Mechanical Automation and Mechatronics (IMPACT) and the department Transducer Science and Technology (MESA⁺) at the University of Twente are looking for:

2 Ph.D. students:

‘Closed-Loop Embedded MEMS-based Precision Stage’ (CLEMPS).

The CLEMPS project is a collaboration between two research groups, each looking for a Ph.D student. One Ph.D student will focus on the overall mechatronic design of the system, the other Ph.D. student will focus on the clean room fabrication and the design of a nm resolution MEMS-based sensor. The project involves a close collaboration with two industrial companies DEMCON, for advanced mechatronics and FEI, manufacturer of electron microscopes.

Background of the project

In the future precision manipulation of small objects will become increasingly important. At the same time there is a need for small manipulators for precision manipulation of small objects, justifying MEMS-based precision manipulators. Applications are probe-based data storage, micro read/write heads of pick-up units for data storage, micro-assembly, manipulation of samples in microscopes, AFM manipulators, nano indentors en optical beam path manipulation (beamers, mask less lithography).

Analysis of biological samples by Transmission Electron Microscopes is becoming increasingly important. However the contrast of the resulting image is relatively low. The contrast can be increased by several electron-optical devices which require small aperture-like objects (diameters of 0.5 to 50μm), which need to be manipulated into the electron beam at nm resolution. Therefore nm resolution manipulation positioning modules are required. Because the manipulator is mounted at the tip of a beam, the manipulator needs to be <>

In this project a small MEMS-based precision manipulator for aperture manipulation will be developed with closed-loop feedback.

Profile

You have a MSc degree (or equivalent) in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, mechatronics or applied physics with a strong interest in (precision) designing. Experience in design principles, mechatronics and micro systems technology would be an added value. The ideal candidate is a strong team player that has the ability to effectively cooperate with other researchers within the multi-disciplinary team. You have excellent communication skills, particularly in written and spoken Dutch and English.

Offer

We offer an interesting temporary research position in a dynamic and multidisciplinary environment in close collaboration with the companies FEI and DEMCON.

The Ph.D. candidate will be appointed for a period of four years. After one year a project evaluation will take place, and a decision will be made about the continuation of the project. The salary starts at €2.000 gross per month increasing to €2.558 gross per month in the fourth year.

Information:

More information, including a detailed project plan, can be obtained from the coordinator of this project:

Dr.ir. Dannis Brouwer,

d.m.brouwer@utwente.nl

(0031) (0)6-14246303.

Application:

You are invited to send your application together with curriculum vitae, score list and names and addresses of referees by email to the address above, or by normal post to University of Twente, Faculty CTW, Personnel Department, P.O.Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, the Netherlands or to personeelszaken@ctw.utwente.nl, with reference to vacancy number 08/059.