"Postdoc position in Intelligent, Acoustics-Based Diagnostics for High-Tech Systems"

The Dynamics based Maintenance group, Faculty of Engineering Technology at the University of Twente, The Netherlands has an opening for a postdoc candidate within the project “Engineering for Zero Downtime in Cyber-Physical Systems via Intelligent Diagnostics (ZORRO)”.

To increase the availability and reliability of critical and complex high-tech systems, like machines used in the semiconductor industry or industrial printing machines, intelligent diagnostics to identify faults is of crucial importance. Acoustics-based diagnosis, using an array of microphones, is a promising method to identify faults, as sensing on the moving components in these high tech systems is not possible. The challenge is to localize anomalous sounds, related to faults, in a complex acoustic environment, characterized by moving sound sources and reverberations. Purely relying on physical models describing the acoustics in this kind of environment will result in models too large to be handled and too instable to be solved. Data-driven approaches need to be used in addition to enrich the physics-based models. An experimental set-up to collect relevant acoustic data is available, but needs further development.

The project focusses on a case of one of the participating industrial partners, but a broader collaboration in this national project with the other industrial partners, universities and research institutes is anticipated.

Your profile

The successful applicant has a PhD degree and background in mechanical engineering or similar. Research experience on acoustics, both modelling and experimental, is required, while affinity with data-driven methods is a pre. Good spoken and written English and the ability to work in a team are mandatory.

Our offer

The work in these projects will take place at the Dynamics based Maintenance group at the University of Twente, as well as at the premises of the companies involved. The UT provides a dynamic and international environment, excellent working conditions, an exciting scientific environment, and a green and lively campus.

We offer:

• A temporary full time Postdoc position for two years.
• Interesting temporary research position in a dynamic and international environment, combining the benefits of academic research with a topic of high industrial relevance.
• Gross salary between € 4.241,- and € 5.538,- per month depending on experience and qualifications;
• Excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, a year-end bonus of 8.3% and a solid pension scheme.
• You can make use of excellent facilities for professional and personal development and a training program.
• You will receive good secondary conditions, in accordance with the collective labor agreement CAO-NU for Dutch universities.

Information and application

You can apply for this position before September 15, 2025 by clicking the ‘apply now’ button below. Please include:

·  CV (including contact information for at least two academic references)

·  An original motivation letter indicating your fit with this position and associated ambition.

For more information on this position, please contact dr.ir. Richard Loendersloot, r.loendersloot@utwente.nl.

Screening is part of the selection procedure.

The first job interviews are planned October 2025.

Apply now