PhD Student in Cyber-Physical Systems

Luleå Tekniska Universitet · Full-time

Luleå, Sweden

Are you ready to take the next step in your academic journey? As a PhD student with us, you'll work closely with leading researchers in a strong and international research environment, with access to advanced laboratory equipment and excellent funding opportunities. You'll be offered secure employment, high-quality supervision, and room to grow, both as a researcher and as a person. Do you want to be part of building the next generation of electronics? Europe is working hard to quickly reclaim lost ground in semiconductor technology, and chiplets – multiple small semiconductor chips encapsulated together into a functioning system – are one of the keys. The challenge isn't the chips themselves, but the connections between them. We're looking for a PhD student to create these connections in a completely additive way: laser micromachining, selective metallization, and new photosensitive materials, without sintering at high temperatures and with minimal material waste. The work is experimental, carried out in our own laboratories, and done together with European industry. The EISLAB division at Luleå University of Technology conducts research on electronic systems, sensor systems, cyber-physical systems, the Internet of Things, and machine learning, and works with electronics all the way from materials and processes to a finished, verified component. We collaborate closely with companies such as Bosch, Ericsson, Volvo, Infineon, Boliden, LKAB, and SKF, with leading international universities, and in major European research programs, such as Arrowhead Tools, which is coordinated by LTU. This position is part of our growing work on additive manufacturing for chiplet packaging, where EISLAB is responsible for the packaging component within a European consortium. Subject Description Cyber-physical systems involve integrated software and application architectures with large-scale distributed embedded systems that interact with each other and with their environment to enable secure, goal-driven, autonomous, and scalable solutions. Project Description E2PACKMAN is a European flagship project worth €93.7 million that is developing the next generation of semiconductor packaging – the part of chip manufacturing that determines how small, fast, and powerful electronics products can become. You'll become part of a team working together with 60 partners from 13 countries, including Europe's leading semiconductor manufacturers and research institutes, to develop new materials, new equipment, and new processes and test them in real industrial applications. EISLAB is responsible for the packaging technology being developed here. Main Responsibilities Your main responsibilities will be to: • develop additive methods for patterning metal interconnections at micro- and nanoscale in multilayer components • identify and optimize polymers and photosensitive materials for additive manufacturing • establish micro-drilling with femtosecond or picosecond lasers and selective metallization for vertical high aspect ratio interconnections • characterize results (SEM, AFM, XCT, optical microscopy) with respect to geometric accuracy, durability, and adhesion at interfaces • validate scalability and sustainability: reduced material waste, better energy efficiency, no high-temperature sintering, and compatibility with industrial HDI packaging You'll publish in scientific journals, present at international conferences, and collaborate with academic and industrial partners in Europe as well as with researchers and PhD students at LTU. The work is largely independent, but you'll receive continuous supervision. As a PhD student, you'll work toward a doctoral degree according to the objectives in the Higher Education Ordinance: most of your time will be spent on research, and you'll also take courses as part of your doctoral studies. Both research and courses are planned and documented in your individual study plan. Qualifications We're looking for someone who is analytical and motivated and can drive experimental research both independently and as part of a team. Requirements: • Master's degree in engineering or equivalent (e.g., Civilingenjör) in electrical engineering, electronics, materials science, nanotechnology, microelectronics, engineering physics, or a related field • Experience with experimental laboratory work in micro- or nanofabrication, materials processing, or electronics manufacturing • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to work in interdisciplinary teams • Excellent English language skills, both spoken and written Meritorious: • Micro- and nanofabrication techniques such as laser direct writing, electroless plating, photolithography, or additive manufacturing • Characterization tools such as XCT, SEM, or AFM • CAD and simulation tools such as CLEWIN, ANSYS, or COMSOL • Electronics packaging, HDI substrates, or chiplet architectures • Experience working in cleanrooms Don't meet all the merits? Apply anyway. We don't expect anyone to have experience with everything – much of the expertise is built up during doctoral studies. For more information on the respective topics, see http://www.ltu.se/research/Utbildning-pa-forskarniva/Studieplaner/Allmanna-studieplaner-Teknisk-fakultetsnamnd?l=en Additional Information Employment as a PhD student is limited to four years. Teaching and other institutional work may be added up to 20%. Location: Luleå. Start date: by agreement. For each position, a preliminary salary is stated based on the requirements, responsibilities, and market conditions associated with the role. For more information about the position, contact Dr. Shailesh Singh Chouhan, +46 920-49 2165, [email protected] https://www.ltu.se/en/about-the-university/work-with-us/applying-for-a-job#h-Tradeunioncontacts Where there are different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this advertisement, the Swedish version takes precedence. Application We prefer that you apply for the position using the application button below. Your application should include a CV, cover letter, and copies of verified certificates from upper secondary school and university. Mark your application with the reference number below. The application, including certificates, should be written in Swedish or English. Application Deadline: October 31, 2026 Reference Number: 4728-2026