Job description
The Surface Technology and Tribology group within the Department of Mechanics of Solids, Surfaces and Systems (MS3), part of the Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET), is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to investigate micro-abrasion and wear mechanisms in tire tread materials. The position is funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) through the Open Technology Programme (OTP) and is part of a larger project of 2 PhDs and 1 EngD.
Tire wear is a major environmental challenge, contributing to microplastic pollution due to the persistence of rubber particles. Addressing this requires a deeper understanding of tribological mechanisms, particularly at the tire–road interface. This is critical for developing tire materials that balance performance, durability, and reduced environmental impact.
This PhD project focuses on understanding and modelling micro-abrasion in tire tread materials. It will develop wear mode diagrams for rubber compounds and study how composition affects transitions between abrasive wear modes. The work includes the development of experimental setups, laboratory validation, and microscale analysis using a single asperity tribo-setup, combined with ploughing modelling. The outcomes are expected to contribute to the development of more durable and sustainable tire materials.
You will work within the Surface Technology and Tribology group at the University of Twente, an international and collaborative environment with strong expertise in tribology, and surface and interface engineering. The group provides a stimulating research atmosphere with regular discussions and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. The project is conducted with industrial partners, offering direct exposure to real-world challenges in tire wear and material performance.
Your profile
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 in tribology, materials science, or mechanical engineering.
- 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.
Our offer
- 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 € 3,059 -.- in the first year that increases to € 3,881 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
Information and application
To apply for this PhD position, please submit your application before 8, June 2026, by clicking the ‘Apply Now’ button below.
Your application must include:
- A cover letter (maximum one A4 page) detailing your specific research interests, motivation for applying, and why you are a strong candidate for this position.
- An updated CV, including contact details for at least two academic references.
- Applicants who have not completed both their secondary and tertiary education in English are required to provide official documentation of their language skills. The University of Twente accepts the following English-language tests as proof of proficiency: an academic IELTS test with a minimum overall band score of 6.5, a TOEFL iBT score of at least 90, or a Cambridge English certificate at the CAE-C.
- Copies of your academic transcripts from both your Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
- Title and abstract of your Master’s thesis/project.
- Any additional supporting documents, such as publications or research experience.
Please ensure your application is submitted before the deadline via the online system. Applications submitted by email will not be considered.
If you have any questions about the PhD. position, please contact Prof. dr. ir. MB de Rooij at m.b.derooij@utwente.nl or Dr. Jamal Monfared at j.monfared@utwente.nl
The first round of interviews is scheduled to take place in week 26.
A screening will be part of the selection procedure.
About the organisation
At the Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET), we work on engineering for impact: developing smart, sustainable, human-centred and technological solutions for societal challenges. We connect fundamental education, research and practice across five core domains: Asset & Maintenance engineering, Intelligent Manufacturing Systems, Personalised Health Technology, Resilience Engineering, and Sustainable Production, Energy and Resources.
We work on education and research in mechanical engineering, civil engineering and industrial design engineering. Together, we learn by making, creating, and innovating, addressing challenges in a solution-oriented way. Quality, connection and inclusivity are the foundation of our culture.
In our open community, students, researchers and staff collaborate with industrial and societal partners. This enables us to develop insights, applications and solutions that add value to society.
