PhD-position Towards the next generation of tires: Development of micro-abrasive resistant tire

Job description

Car tires are very important and complex parts with high safety and reliability requirements, responsible for maintaining the contact between a vehicle and the road. Tires are subject to wear due to the tire – road interaction, causing the emission of micro particles in the environment with pollution as well as potential health risks. Given the amount of tires that are in use, this results in very large amounts of rubber particles ending up in the environment.

These rubber particles have a long degradation time, resulting in a significant environmental load. Reducing tire wear will therefore have a very significant environmental effect.

Although large steps have been made in a deeper understanding of tire-road interaction in the development of better elastomer compounds for tires, so far, the underlying mechanisms of tire wear (micro-abrasion) are not well understood. This is an important limiting factor in developing novel tire compounds with lower wear rates.

This project addresses the topic of tire wear from a novel tribological perspective focused on gaining a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Further, the industrial partners involved, covering the complete value chain, will enable the team to make significant impact in the reduction of tire wear and the related environmental load.

Hold a Master's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or a closely related field.

Relevant research experience is highly desirable, particularly in:

• Analysis of wear behavior
• Rubber compounding, mixing and performance testing

Strong command of English (written and spoken) is required

• A four-year fulltime PhD position
• A professional and personal development programme within Twente Graduate School.
• Gross monthly salary of €3.204,- in the first year that increases to €4.051,- in the fourth year.
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%.
• an inspiring, multidisciplinary and international environment with an attractive campus and lots of facilities for sports and leisure.
• The university provides a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues.
• excellent facilities for professional and personal development

Final date to receive applications:
September 15, 2026
.

Include:

• a cover letter (maximum one A4 page)
• a detailed CV
• contact details of at least 2 references.

For more information about this vacancy you can contact Prof. Anke Blume, +31 (0) , e‑mail: a.blume or Dengpeng Huang, d.huang

Interviews are planned late September.

Screening is part of the selection process.

At the Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET), we work on engineering for impact: developing smart, sustainable, human‑centred and technological solutions for societal challenges. We connect fundamental education, research and practice across five core domains:
Asset & Maintenance engineering, Intelligent Manufacturing Systems, Personalised Health Technology, Resilience Engineering, and Sustainable Production, Energy and Resources.

We work on education and research in mechanical engineering, civil engineering and industrial design engineering. Together, we learn by making, creating, and innovating, addressing challenges in a solution‑oriented way. Quality, connection and inclusivity are the foundation of our culture.

In our open community, students, researchers and staff collaborate with industrial and societal partners. This enables us to develop insights, applications and solutions that add value to society.