PhD Position POLARIS Materials

Getting the heat out of highly integrated electrical systems.

Thermal management in highly integrated systems like high-performance computing and communication arrays is a large challenge in the electronics industry. When the temperature of devices increases, their lifetime reduces and thermal throttling can reduce performance. In highly integrated systems, the volume of material to transport heat is reduced which requires innovations for effective heat management. Improving the materials used is one of the methods that can be employed for this.

Especially nanomaterials are of interest here, as they can potentially outperform bulk materials.

In this project at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS), which is part of the growth fund POLARIS, you will investigate innovative nanomaterial solutions for thermal management. The application of the material can be as a thermal interface material or by enabling other heat dissipation pathways. As part of the research, you will synthesize the materials in the EKL cleanroom, create test structures and validate their thermal performance and other relevant material properties.

The research will take place in the Electronic Components, Technology and Materials section of the Microelectronics Department. Within the consortium, other academic, research and industrial partners are present with whom there can be opportunities to collaborate.

• Investigate innovative nanomaterial solutions for thermal management.
• Synthesize nanomaterials in the EKL cleanroom.
• Create test structures.
• Validate thermal performance and other material properties.

• MSc in electrical engineering, materials science, applied physics, or related fields.
• Prior experience in cleanroom processing and/or thermal or material analysis is highly recommended.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4‑year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1.5‑year contract with an official go/no‑go progress assessment within 15 months, followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Increasing from €3,059 – €3,881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a full‑time contract (38 hours), plus 8 % holiday allowance and an end‑of‑year bonus of 8.3 %. The PhD candidate will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing transferable, discipline‑related and research skills. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, a monthly work‑costs contribution, and flexible work schedules can be arranged.

TU Delft is committed to making your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. The service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands and expand your network. A Dual Career Programme is available to support your partner with their job search.

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact dr.ir. Sten Vollebregt.

Please apply no later than 16 Aug 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter

You can address your application to dr.ir. Sten Vollebregt.

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Faculty/Department:
Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics & Computer Science

FTE: 1

Submission is possible until: 16 Aug 2026