KEY TAKEAWAYS

• 
  Hours
  38 - 40 hr.
• 
  Salary indication
  Salary gross/monthly
  based on full-time
  € 2,901 - € 3,707
• 
  Deadline
  4 Apr 2025
  Background
  Semiconductors drive transformative advancements across manufacturing and other sectors, enabling efficiency, innovation, and automation. However, their production and supply chains face critical challenges:
  Electronics Chips: These silicon-based chips are versatile and cost-effective, making them essential for industrial automation, IoT-enabled systems, and smart manufacturing processes. However, their energy-intensive production and poor recycling create long-term sustainability concerns, especially as demand continues to grow.
  Photonics Chips: With ultra-fast data transmission capabilities, these chips are vital for applications like high-speed communication networks, precision manufacturing, and real-time monitoring in industrial systems. Yet, their production requires significant energy and scarce materials, which complicates scalability and raises sustainability issues.
  Quantum Chips: Quantum chips, with revolutionary applications in advanced simulations, secure communication, and optimization of supply chains, face significant barriers due to their reliance on rare materials and complex cooling systems. These challenges hinder their broader adoption in manufacturing and other industries.
  The Netherlands leads in semiconductor innovations, with the University of Twente pioneering breakthroughs like on-chip quantum entanglement and integration of photonics and electronics. These innovations drive energy efficiency, speed placing Twente at the forefront of sustainable semiconductor technology.
  The challenge Despite advancements, the semiconductor industry faces interconnected challenges:
• Resource Scarcity: Reliance on rare materials like gallium and indium heightens supply chain fragility.
• Environmental Impact: High emissions and e-waste demand urgent solutions in energy efficiency and recycling.
• Supply Chain Vulnerability: Over-centralized production hubs and fragmented logistics intensify disruptions during crises.
• Transparency Gaps: Weak accountability hinders ethical sourcing and regulatory compliance.
  Your Role
  Your role will involve creating a data-driven digital framework that fosters circular and sustainable practices in semiconductor supply chains. Leveraging advanced techno-economics, qualitative analysis, and data tools, your work will revolutionize sustainability in the industry.
  Develop Circular Models: Incorporate closed-loop recycling and Life Cycle Assessments (LCA).
  Enhance Supply Chain Resilience: Use predictive analytics to diversify production hubs and strengthen logistics.
  Innovate for Sustainability: Optimize energy efficiency using AI tools and reduce emissions.
  Foster Transparency: Implement real-time tracking and blockchain-based tools to ensure ethical practices.
  Impact Alignment
  This research aligns with the University of Twente’s key societal impact areas: safety, climate, and chip technology. By advancing sustainable manufacturing techniques and fostering circularity, this project contributes to a more resilient semiconductor industry that supports innovation.

Please refer the Job description for details