NWO-I

Institutenorganisatie van NWO

PhD position in High Field HTS Soleniod (f/m/x) HFML-FELIX

NWO-I
32 tot 40 uur
Schaal: OIO
Sluitingsdatum: 15 juni 2026

HFML‑FELIX is redefining its role as it became a national research institute, placing new emphasis on advanced magnet technology. The institute plans to start R&D on high‑temperature superconductor (HTS) coils for powerful next‑generation magnets that are more efficient and cheaper to operate than the current resistive systems.

This PhD project focuses on the exploration and development of required technologies for the development of a fully superconducting hybrid magnet system that combines existing low‑temperature superconductors with modern HTS materials.

The project is conducted within the HFML-FELIX facility in Nijmegen and the Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of Twente, in close collaboration with (inter)national partners. You will work at both locations. At the very start of the first year, you will spend most of your time in Twente; during the first year, the balance of time will shift towards Nijmegen.

Your profile

  • The successful applicant has a master’s degree and background in applied physics, electrical, or mechanical engineering, or in a closely related discipline.
  • The applicant should possess excellent skills and practical experience in one or more of the following research areas: applied superconductivity, high field magnets, high temperature superconductors, electromagnetics and electromechanical modeling and experimentation, AC loss in HTS materials and cryogenics.
  • Experience at the intersection of one or more of these areas is desirable.

Our offer

  • A full-time 4-year PhD position;
  • We provide excellent mentorship and a stimulating international research environment with excellent facilities;
  • A professional and personal development program within Graduate School Twente;
  • A starting salary of € 3115,- in the first year and a salary of € 3989,- in the fourth year gross per month, in accordance with the salary scales for research trainees (OIOs) of the collective labour agreement for research institutions;
  • A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.33%;
  • A solid pension scheme at ABP;
  • A minimum of 29 holidays per year in case of fulltime employment;
  • The University of Twente and HFML-FELIX provide a dynamic and international environment, combining the benefits of academic research with a topic of high industrial relevance, excellent working conditions, an exciting scientific environment, and a green and lively campus.

Would you like to know more?

For further information about this position, please contact ir. Tonke Boelens, e-mail: tonke.boelens@ru.nl or Prof.Dr.Ir. J.M.(Hans) van Oort, email: j.m.vanoort@utwente.nl. For more information about HFML-FELIX, see www.hfml-felix.nl. More information about the research cluster Energy, Materials and Systems (EMS) at the University of Twente, see EMS | Energy, Materials & Systems (EMS).

Interested in applying?

Are you interested in this position? We would love to hear from you! You can apply until June 15 using the online application form below.

An interview will be part of the selection procedure.

Diversity Code

HFML-FELIX and the University of Twente are committed to a diverse workforce: we aim to foster talent and creativity by bringing together people from different backgrounds and cultures. We recruit and select candidates based on their skills and talents. We therefore encourage anyone who feels the role is a good fit to apply.

About us

About HFML-FELIX

HFML-FELIX is a recognised research institute based in Nijmegen, where pioneering research is conducted into the properties and behaviour of (new) materials and molecules. This is achieved by exposing them to extreme conditions, including very high magnetic fields and powerful free-electron lasers. It is the only place in the world where these two techniques can be combined.

As an NWO research institute, HFML-FELIX is part of a large national collaboration consisting of Radboud University, NWO (the Dutch Organisation for Scientific Research), Radboud UMC and seven other Dutch universities. Our team consists of professors, scientists, technicians, office staff, postdocs, PhD students and students. This ensures a diverse and innovative working culture. We have our own HFML-FELIX Council and an International Scientific Advisory Committee.

About the research cluster Energy, Materials and Systems (EMS) at the University of Twente

The research cluster Energy, Materials and Systems (EMS) is part of the Faculty of Science and Technology (TNW). The research of EMS is application oriented and greatly benefits from its internationally recognized expertise and unique infrastructure on applied superconductivity and cryogenics. The main focus is on sustainable energy, with the ambition of developing technologies, materials and systems that play a key role in our future energy chains. We investigate the application of superconductivity in the power grid (e.g. superconducting cables for transport of electric power), as well as the application of cryogenic technologies and materials for liquid energy carriers such as liquid natural gas and hydrogen. The group has an excellent track record in international pioneering projects on sustainable energy (such as ITER on nuclear fusion), but also in non-energy related, but very challenging, projects at CERN and ESA.