PhD position in circular silicon and silicon carbide additive manufacturing

We offer a fully funded, four-year PhD position at the University of Twente focused on developing circular production routes for silicon and silicon carbide, key materials for high-temperature and high-performance applications. The project brings together materials science, powder technology, additive manufacturing, and data science.

Silicon carbide is widely used in demanding thermal, structural, and electronic applications, yet its production is energy-intensive and relies on global supply chains. At the same time, the photovoltaic and semiconductor industries generate large volumes of silicon-rich waste: up to 75% of silicon can be lost across the value chain, while recycling rates remain around 5%. Existing recycling routes largely downcycle this material into lower-value compounds and do not produce powders with the quality required for advanced manufacturing.

This PhD project aims to address that gap. You will develop and optimise routes for converting silicon-rich waste streams into high-purity powders. Using mechanochemical processing, you will investigate and control phase formation, particle size distribution, morphology, and flowability. You will then establish additive manufacturing process windows for these circular powders using both binder-free and binder-based additive manufacturing approaches, investigating melt behaviour, densification, defect formation, and microstructure in materials.

A distinctive element of the project is its data-driven approach. Together with colleagues at Saxion University of Applied Sciences, you will contribute to the development of machine-learning models that connect powder characteristics and process parameters with the properties of the final components. These models will support faster feedstock qualification and enable predictive quality control.

You will work in an interdisciplinary and international environment alongside academic researchers and industrial partners spanning the full value chain—from waste recovery and silicon processing to powder qualification, additive manufacturing, and advanced ceramics. The project offers strong opportunities to publish high-impact research while developing technologies with immediate industrial relevance and clear potential for sustainability impact.

We are looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic, and self-driven researcher who meets the following qualifications:

• A Master's degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or another relevant engineering/science discipline.
• Strong interest in powder technology, ceramics, and additive manufacturing.
• Experience with materials characterisation techniques an mechanical and thermal testing is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with additive manufacturing processes is an advantage.
• Knowledge of ceramic processing, powder metallurgy, or mechanochemistry is beneficial.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research environment.
• Strong analytical, experimental, and problem-solving skills.
• Motivation to contribute to both fundamental research and industrially relevant technology development.
• Excellent communication skills and proficiency in English, both spoken and written.

• A fully funded 4-year PhD position in an ambitious and internationally recognized research environment.
• Excellent working conditions, an exciting scientific environment, and a green and lively campus with lots of sports facilities and an international scientific community. The terms of employment are in accordance with the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Universities (CAO) and include:
• Gross salary between € 3.204,- and € 4.051,- per month depending on experience and qualifications;
• Excellent…