JOB DESCRIPTION

The CHiPS (Compact High-Precision Sensors) project aims to generate the next generation of extremely sensitive inertial sensors for application in big-science projects and high-tech industry where there is an urgent need for improved active vibration isolation while at the same time the available space is reduced. The project will be carried out in a team of 3 PhD researchers, one at the gravitational-wave research group at the at Nikhef and two at the department of Precision and Microsystems Engineering (PME) at the Delft University of Technology. It is funded through the Dutch National Growth Fund NXTGEN programme of NWO.
This vacancy is for a four-year PhD researcher based at the department of Precision and Microsystems Engineering (PME) at Delft University of Technology. Your project will focus on the mechanical design of the sensor, i.e. the kinematics and stiffness tuning of the proof mass guiding mechanism. As the proof mass will be reduced by a factor of three due to space limitations, the low-stiffness requirements are increased accordingly, and more so because of the raised performance of the new sensor. Apart from horizontal inertial sensing, also the more challenging vertical direction will be considered, as well as the hardware interface to the environment. As a part of your PhD research you will regularly visit our industrial and scientific partners to learn about the challenges and constraints. You will also study the problem in detail with the academic team and propose techniques, build setups and demonstration prototypes to solve these challenges. Ultimately, the new sensor will need to work 24/7 in the most challenging situations in semiconductor manufacturing equipment and gravitational wave detectors. Together with the multidisciplinary advisory team, you and your fellow PhD researchers, will deliver ChiPS to ASML and Einstein Telescope!
The project is a collaboration between Nikhef and TU Delft.
Nikhef: The National institute for subatomic physics Nikhef (www.nikhef.nl) is an open, diverse organisation with an international focus and a strong technical slant. About 220 physicists and 80 engineers and technicians daily shape the Dutch participation in international experiments in particle physics, e.g. at CERN, and astroparticle physics, such as cosmic rays and gravitational waves. The Amsterdam gravitational-wave group has broad expertise including in (active) seismic attenuation, inertial and position sensor development, interferometer simulation, computing and data analysis. Our group is involved in the worldwide effort of advancing gravitational-wave instrumentation, which will give you opportunities to engage with researchers all around the world.
TU Delft, department PME:
PME: At the very small-scale, dynamics change influence of gravity diminishes, adhesion forces become more dominant, and nonlinear effects can be exploited, like in extremely sensitive sensors based on 2D materials. The industrial manufacturing of micro- and nano-scale devices requires high-precision equipment that typically needs to move fast to generate industrially relevant production volumes. Microsystems and precision instruments also increasingly find application in medical diagnostics and precision agriculture. PME drives advances in the field of precision engineering systems and microsystems, including highly sensitive miniaturized sensors, fast and accurate production equipment, and advanced methods for design, analysis, and manufacturing.
Teaching activities are part of your PhD trajectory and may include, for example: supervising workgroups or lab sessions, assisting in courses, or mentoring BSc and MSc students. While teaching will not be your main responsibility, it offers valuable experience that supports your development and prepares you for future academic or professional roles. Teaching activities will not exceed 20% of your total appointment, averaged over the course of your PhD.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• A master’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field.
• Interest in building state of art sensitive experimental setups.
• Capability in computer drawing, modelling and simulating.
• Proficient in English reading and writing, with good communication skills.
• The ability to work independently and collaborate with an interdisciplinary group.
• Highly motivated and creative.
• Experience in presenting and publishing scientific work is optional.
• Experience in mechanical design in precision engineering is preferred.

Please refer the Job description for details