Do you want to help build the next generation of electronics?
Europe is rapidly trying to regain 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 are looking for a doctoral student to create these connections using entirely additive methods: laser micromachining, selective metallization, and new light-sensitive materials—without high-temperature sintering and with minimal material waste. The work is experimental, conducted in our own laboratories, and carried out in collaboration with European industry.
The EISLAB department 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 throughout the entire process—from materials and processes to a finished, verified component.
We collaborate closely with companies such as Bosch, Ericsson, Volvo, Infineon, Boliden, LKAB, and SKF, as well as 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 in additive manufacturing for chip encapsulation, where EISLAB is responsible for the encapsulation component within a European consortium.
Position Description
Cyber-physical systems involve integrated software and application architectures with large-scale, distributed embedded systems that interact with each other and their environment to enable secure, goal-driven, autonomous, and evolvable solutions.
Project Description
E2PACKMAN is a European flagship project worth 93.7 million euros that is developing the next generation of semiconductor packaging—the part of chip manufacturing that determines how small, fast, and powerful electronic products can become. You will be part of a team working alongside 60 partners from 13 countries, including Europe’s leading semiconductor manufacturers and research institutes, to develop new materials, equipment, and processes and test them in real-world industrial applications. EISLAB is responsible for the packaging technology developed here.
Job Responsibilities
Your main responsibilities will be to:
- develop additive methods for patterning micro- and nanoscale metal interconnects in multilayer components
- identify and optimize polymers and photosensitive materials for additive manufacturing
- establish microdrilling using femtosecond or picosecond lasers and selective metallization for vertical interconnects with high aspect ratios
- characterize the results (SEM, AFM, XCT, optical microscopy) with regard to geometric accuracy, durability, and adhesion at the interface
- validate scalability and sustainability: less material waste, better energy efficiency, no high-temperature sintering, and compatibility with industrial HDI packaging
You will publish in scientific journals, present at international conferences, and collaborate with academic and industrial partners in Europe as well as with researchers and doctoral students at LTU. The work is largely independent, but you will receive ongoing supervision.
As a doctoral student, you will work toward a doctoral degree in accordance with the objectives of the Higher Education Ordinance: most of your time will be devoted to research, and you will also take courses as part of the doctoral program. Both research and courses are planned and documented in your individual study plan.
Qualifications
We are looking for someone who is analytical and motivated and who can conduct experimental research both independently and as part of a team.
Requirements:
- A Master of Science in Engineering or a Master’s degree (or equivalent) 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, as well as the ability to work in interdisciplinary teams
- Very good command of English, both spoken and written
Preferred:
- Micro- and nanofabrication techniques such as direct laser writing, chemical (electroless) plating, photolithography, or additive manufacturing
- Characterization tools such as XCT, SEM, or AFM
- CAD and simulation tools such as CLEWIN, ANSYS, or COMSOL
- Electronic packaging, HDI substrates, or chiplet architectures
- Experience working in a cleanroom
Don’t meet all the preferred qualifications? Apply anyway. We do not expect anyone to have experience in everything—much of the expertise is developed during the doctoral program.
For more information on each subject, see http://www.ltu.se/research/Utbildning-pa-forskarniva/Studieplaner/Allmanna-studieplaner-Teknisk-fakultetsnamnd?l=en
Additional information
Employment as a doctoral student is limited to four years. Teaching and other departmental duties may be added, up to 20%. Location: Luleå. Start date: by agreement.
A preliminary salary range is specified for each position https://www.ltu.se/en/about-the-university/work-with-us/applying-for-a-job#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, mailto:shailesh.chouhan@ltu.se
https://www.ltu.se/en/about-the-university/work-with-us/applying-for-a-job#h-Tradeunioncontacts
In the event of any discrepancies between the English and Swedish versions of this job posting, the Swedish version shall prevail.
Application
We prefer that you apply for the position using the application button below. Your application must include a resume, a cover letter, and copies of verified high school and college transcripts. Please include the reference number below in your application. The application, including diplomas, must be written in Swedish or English.
Application deadline: October 31, 2026
Reference number: 4728-2026