PhD in Simulation-integrated strategy for polymers in integrated circuit packaging

Introduction

The research project will be performed in the Soft Matter Rheology and Technology (SMaRT) section in the Chemical Engineering Department at KU Leuven and the Processing and Performance of Materials (P&P) section in the Mechanical Engineering Department at TU Eindhoven under the joint supervision of Profs. Lambèrt van Breemen and Ruth Cardinaels. The research in the SMaRT section is mostly of experimental nature and aims at designing methodologies for intelligent process or product (formulation) design using so-called “complex fluids” or “soft matter”. Extensive state-of-the-art and home-built experimental facilities for the characterization of rheological properties, combined with various techniques to characterize microstructure development during flow are available. Dielectric and electromagnetic properties can be characterized in the low frequency as well as high frequency region. The research in the P&P section aims to enable a transition from experimental trial-and-error to quantitative predictive capability for the processing of polymer-based materials. Experimental characterization facilities range from rheology, over structure and thermal characterization to mechanics. Moreover, cutting-edge in-house developed numerical tools are integrated in the research. Industrial-level insights on semiconductor manufacturing and material development will be available via collaboration with IMEC, a world-leading R&D and innovation hub in nanoelectronics and digital technologies, based in Leuven.

SMaRT website: SMaRT (kuleuven.be)

P&P website: Processing and Performance

Job Description

Polymer-based integrated circuit (IC) packaging and polymer redistribution layers (PRLs) are indispensable for the long-term functioning of microchips sustaining variable thermal and mechanical stresses, while ensuring electrical connectivity to the circuit board and shielding unwanted interfering signals. Due to the increasing design complexity and miniaturization of microchips, dimensional accuracy and defect-free moulding and patterning have become critical requirements. However, differences in thermal expansion coefficients, processing-induced shrinkage and mechanical stresses can cause warpage, delamination and failure. To improve the polymer material formulation, as well as the processing steps and geometric microchip design with the aim of creating robust, defect-free IC packaging and PRLs, a simulation-integrated toolbox will be developed and used. Based on small-scale experimental characterizations of mechanical, dielectric and electromagnetic properties, analytical models for the prediction of the intrinsic material behaviour will be set up. Subsequently, these models will be implemented within a simulation framework, allowing to perform finite element-based predictions of the material response on the microchip level. Finally, this framework will then be leveraged for a case study on enhanced chip development, focusing on the one hand on optimal mechanical robustness and shape stability during thermal cycling and on the other hand on the integration of electromagnetic shielding functionality in an IC packaging.

Job Requirements

• You are recently graduated or will soon graduate with a master’s degree in materials science engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline.
• You have excellent analytical skills, high grades and you are a creative and critical thinker.
• You are highly motivated to start your career in research and to pursue a PhD degree during a four-year research period.
• You have a strong experimental background in characterization and structure analysis of polymer-based materials and/or a strong background in numerical modeling and/or computational physics/mechanics, candidates with a combined expertise will have priority.
• You have enthusiasm and aptitude for combining experimentation and numerical modelling.
• You are able to report your progress in an accurate and timely fashion.
• You have excellent communication skills, with fluency in both written and spoken English. (C1 level)
• You are willing to integrate in both research groups and to spend half of the research time at each university.
• You are motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you: 

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment. 
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881).  
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%. 
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process. 
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.  
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates. 

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us

We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering department conducts world-class research aligned with the technological interests of the high-tech industry in the Netherlands, with a focus on the Brainport region. Our goal is to produce engineers who are both scientifically educated and application-driven by providing a balanced education and research program that combines fundamental and application aspects. We equip our graduates with practical and theoretical expertise, preparing them optimally for future challenges.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring managers Lambèrt van Breemen, [email protected] or Ruth Cardinaels via [email protected].

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact HR Services, [email protected].

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

You can apply for this job no later than 30 June 2026.
Since this is a joint PhD within the KU Leuven - TU Eindhoven Global PhD Partnership Program, please also apply to the corresponding vacancy at KU Leuven to be considered. We look forward to your application and will screen it as soon as we have received it. Screening will continue until the position has been filled.

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. Please note that incomplete applications may not be considered and could be rejected.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.