PhD position in Advanced bonding for magnet-metal systems

The Surface Technology and Tribology group at the Department of Mechanics of Solids, Surfaces & Systems (MS3), part of the Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET), is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to investigate magnet-to-metal adhesive bonding. Research in the Surface Technology and Tribology group focuses on surfaces and interfaces in engineering applications, as well as the degradation mechanisms that occur at these surfaces and interfaces.

Adhesive bonding is a critical technology in high-tech manufacturing, enabling lightweight, durable, and automation-friendly assembly processes. Compared to traditional joining methods, adhesive bonding offers advantages such as reduced mass and minimized stress concentrations. This is particularly relevant in advanced manufacturing systems, where precision and reliability are essential, and fast-curing adhesives are needed to match high-speed production lines.

This challenging PhD project will focus on understanding and optimizing bond formation and validation in magnet-to-metal adhesive bonding. The research will explore key parameters that influence bond strength and reliability and develop validation tools to ensure reliable, failure-resistant bonds. By addressing existing knowledge and technological gaps, this work will directly contribute to high-tech industries reliant on magnetic assemblies like magnetic tables.

This project is conducted in close collaboration with an industrial partner, providing an excellent opportunity to work on real-world challenges in manufacturing by adhesive bonding.

Your Role
The position will be based at the University of Twente, with a close collaboration with our industrial partner VDL-ETG in Almelo. The overall goal of the project is to prevent adhesion failures at critical magnet/adhesive/metal interfaces during assembly.

To achieve this, the research will focus on three key aspects:

• Understanding the physicochemical reactions of adhesives and their microstructure evolution
• Surface preparation and validation of adherends
• Bond failure testing and validation

You will spend most of your time at the University of Twente, where you will take relevant courses and receive scientific guidance.

Requirements:

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

• You have a master’s degree in Physics, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
• You have a strong background and passion for research on Surface engineering, adhesives & adhesion, non-destructive testing, and fracture mechanics
• Your organizational skills are good. You are enthusiastic, independent and have a problem solving attitude.
• The ability to work on real-world problems in an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented environment
• Good communication skills and an excellent command of English

Salary Benefits:

• Four-year fulltime PhD position, with a qualifier exam after 6-9 months.
• A professional and personal development programme within Twente Graduate School
• Gross monthly salary of € 2.901.- in the first year that increases to € 3.707.- in the fourth year
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%
• Excellent support for research and facilities for professional and personal development
• A solid pension scheme
• A total of 41 holiday days per year in case of full-time employment
• Excellent working conditions, an exciting scientific environment, and a green and lively campus

38 - 40 hours per week

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