PhD-position Towards the next generation of tires: Development of micro-abrasive resistant tire treads

• • Vacancies • PhD-position Towards the next generation of tires: Development of micro-abrasive resistant tire treadsTo vacancy overviewApply now • • • • • ETPhDPhD-position Towards the next generation of tires: Development of micro-abrasive resistant tire treadsPhD for four years in the frame of the granted NWO-OTP proposal, cooperation with Nokian Tyres, Synthos, Momentive and Solvay and with another PhD and an EngD.Apply now • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Floriana Anselmucci • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Mark Vlutters • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Suzanne Hulscher • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Mina Shahi • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Anouk Bomers • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Christopher Balfe • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Tjerkje Dijkstra • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Peter Chemweno • • • • • • • • Key takeaways • Hours 38 - 40 hr. • Salary indicationSalary gross/monthly based on full-time € 3,204 - € 4,051 • Deadline 15 Sep 2026 Car tires are very important and complex parts with high safety and reliability requirements, responsible for maintaining the contact between a vehicle and the road. Tires are subject to wear due to the tire – road interaction, causing the emission of micro particles in the environment with pollution as well as potential health risks. Given the amount of tires that are in use, this results in very large amounts of rubber particles ending up in the environment. These rubber particles have a long degradation time, resulting in a significant environmental load. Reducing tire wear will therefore have a very significant environmental effect. Although large steps have been made in a deeper understanding of tire-road interaction in the development of better elastomer compounds for tires, so far, the underlying mechanisms of tire wear (micro-abrasion) are not well understood. This is an important limiting factor in developing novel tire compounds with lower wear rates. This project addresses the topic of tire wear from a novel tribological perspective focused on gaining a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Further, the industrial partners involved, covering the complete value chain, will enable the team to make significant impact in the reduction of tire wear and the related environmental load. Your profileHold a Master's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or a closely related field.Relevant research experience is highly desirable, particularly in: • Analysis of wear behavior • Rubber compounding, mixing and performance testing Strong command of English (written and spoken) is requiredOur offer • A four-year fulltime PhD position • A professional and personal development programme within Twente Graduate School. • Gross monthly salary of € 3.204,- in the first year that increases to € 4.051,- in the fourth year. • A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. • an inspiring, multidisciplinary and international environment with an attractive campus and lots of facilities for sports and leisure. • The university provides a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues. • excellent facilities for professional and personal development Information and application Are you interested in being part of our team? Please send your application by September 15, 2026, via the "apply now" button and include: • a cover letter (maximum one A4 page) • a detailed CV • contact details of at least 2 references. For more information about this vacancy you can contact Prof. Anke Blume, +31 (0) 53 489 3217, e-mail: a.blume@utwente.nl or Dengpeng Huang: d.huang@utwente.nl Interviews are planned late September. Screening is part of the selection process. Apply nowShare this vacancy • • • • 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. Want to know moreBlume, A. (Anke) Full ProfessorBlume, A. (Anke) Full ProfessorDo you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Anke for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.ContactPhone:+31534893217Email:a.blume@utwente.nl How to applyStep 1Apply. When you see a vacancy that appeals to you, you can apply online. We ask you to upload a CV and motivation letter and/or list of publications. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail.Apply nowStep 2Selection. The selection committee will review your application and you will receive a response within 2 weeks after the vacancy has been closed.Step 31st interview. The 1st (online or in person) meeting serves as an introduction where we introduce ourselves to you and you to us. You may be asked to give a short presentation. This will be further explained in the invitation.Step 42nd interview. In the second interview, we will further discuss the job content, your skills and your talents.Step 5The offer. If the conversations are positive, you will be made a suitable offer. If applicable, we will sign you up for screening. Your Colleagues • Huang, D. (Dengpeng)Personal page About The Faculty ETCurious about what the Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) stands for? Check out the ET website for more information.Go to the ET websiteA job that mattersCreate new opportunities for yourself, your colleagues and our society. Scientist or teacher, administrator or facilitator, thinker or doer, energetic leader or silent support – your work at the University of Twente matters. And you too!Stories from UT'ers • • • Our mission Human TouchAt the University of Twente, technology is all about people. We call this High Tech, Human Touch. This same belief is reflected in the way the Human Resources department operates. We believe that a strong organization starts with people who are given the space to grow, take initiative, and make a difference. That is why we are building a working environment in which everyone can thrive. • Our mission We are a university of technologyOur university is a public institution that serves society. We are accountable to society for the ways in which we use our academic freedom. We are responsible for ensuring that the power of science and technology is harnessed to achieve the best possible impact in a changing world. We cherish our rich tradition of combining technical and social sciences in our five profiling themes: Improving healthcare by personalized technologies; Creating intelligent manufacturing systems; Shaping our world with smart materials; Engineering our digital society; and Engineering for a resilient world. • Our mission We help to strengthen societyWe help society meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. But we are also transparent about what science and technology can and cannot do in finding sustainable solutions. And help translate these solutions into everyday life. • Our mission We are sustainableWe want our communities to flourish and show resilience, so we seize opportunities for innovation. We are knowledgeable and have an eye for what society needs. Our students and staff receive all the guidance they need in their quest for ecological, social and economic sustainability. “The University of Twente is all about people. Our sustainable technologies help to strengthen society.” Browse all jobs