PhD Position Developing Magnetic Nanomaterials in the Project "Welding Made Easy"

Do you want to work on cutting-edge nanotechnology research? Are you interested in designing magnetic nanoparticles that switch off their own heating for smart composite welding?

PhD Position Developing Magnetic Nanomaterials in the Project “Welding Made Easy”

• Hours per week: 32-40
• FTE: 1,0

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate with a background in physical chemistry, materials science, or nanomagnetism to join the project “Welding Made Easy,” funded through the NWO-KIC programme.

Welding Made Easy addresses one of the key bottlenecks in lightweight composite manufacturing: how to join fibre-reinforced polymer structures reliably, without the weight penalty of bolts and rivets or the strict process control demanded by adhesive bonding. The project shifts control of the welding process from complex machinery to the material itself, by embedding magnetic nanoparticles with a tailored Curie (or compensation) temperature into a thermoplastic interlayer. When exposed to a high-frequency magnetic field, these particles heat the interface until the target processing temperature is reached — at which point their magnetic losses collapse, acting as a built-in thermal switch that prevents overheating. The same particles double as sensors, enabling real-time monitoring of the weld through their AC field absorption. This self-regulating approach removes the need for dedicated welding infrastructure, opening the door to decentralised manufacturing and ad-hoc repair of composite structures for aerospace, mobility, and defence applications.

As a PhD candidate, you will work in the NCFun group of Prof. Arjan Houtepen (TU Delft, Applied Sciences), in close collaboration prof. Clemens Dransfeld (TU Delft, Aerospace Engineering) with Dr. Reinoud Lavrijsen (TU/e), Prof. Sofia Kantorovich/Dr Andrei Kuznetsov (TU Vienna), and industrial partner SCIL. You will be embedded in a larger interdisciplinary consortium spanning polymer and composite science, nanoscience, physics, and process engineering, including partners such as Airbus, GKN, and DLR.

Your research will focus on:

• Colloidal chemical synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles (e.g. Mn-Fe ferrite alloys) with tunable switch temperatures
• Post-synthetic and in-situ surface functionalisation to achieve stable dispersion in polymer matrices
• Structural and compositional characterisation (XRD, XPS, TEM, NMR)
• Magnetic characterisation and switch-temperature determination (magneto-thermogravimetric analysis, SQUID, VSM)
• Linking nanoparticle composition and structure to magnetic heating performance (SAR) for use in polymer welding

Your profile:

You have a completed Master’s degree in physical chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or a closely related field. You combine a strong interest in the synthesis and characterisation of nanomaterials with an affinity for magnetism and solid-state physics.

The ideal candidate has experience with one or more of the following:

• Colloidal synthesis of inorganic nanoparticles (e.g. metal oxides, ferrites)
• Nanoparticle surface chemistry and functionalisation
• Structural characterisation techniques (XRD, TEM, XPS)
• Magnetic characterisation (VSM, SQUID) or an interest in learning these methods

You enjoy working in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment and are motivated to bridge fundamental nanomaterials science with a technology of direct industrial relevance.

What we offer:

• A full-time PhD position at TU Delft in a leading European research environment
• Access to state-of-the-art synthesis and characterisation facilities at TU Delft and TU/e
• Close collaboration with academic and industrial partners across the Netherlands, Austria, Germany, and beyond
• The opportunity to contribute to a programmable materials technology with direct applications in aerospace and defence

Job requirements

For this position we are looking for a physical chemist, materials physicist, or chemical engineer with a completed master’s degree. You should combine a keen interest in the synthesis and properties of nanomaterials with an understanding of magnetism and solid-state physics.

The ideal candidate has prior experience with colloidal materials, synthesis of inorganic nanoparticles, and structural or magnetic characterisation techniques.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means joining an international community of professionals and students.

Faculty Applied Sciences

The Faculty of Applied Sciences focuses on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion. Our scientists conduct fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3204 - €4051 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis.

As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed.