Fully Funded PhD Position in Ultrasound-Based Viscosity Sensing – University of Twente, Netherlands

The University of Twente in the Netherlands is inviting applications for a PhD position focused on developing ultrasonic flow sensors for viscosity measurement. The project combines ultrasound, sensor development, fluid mechanics, signal processing, and experimental validation, making it particularly relevant to candidates interested in biomedical engineering, medical devices, non-invasive sensing, and computational modelling.

The successful candidate will join the Electrical and Electronics Engineering research environment at the University of Twente and work on the development of ultrasonic techniques for measuring the viscosity of liquids. The research is expected to involve the design and characterization of ultrasound-based sensors, analysis of acoustic and flow-related signals, and evaluation of how ultrasonic measurements can be translated into reliable viscosity estimates.

Position Details

• Position: PhD candidate – Ultrasound-based viscosity sensing of liquids

• University: University of Twente

• Department: Electrical and Electronics Engineering

• Location: Enschede, Netherlands

• Research areas: Ultrasound sensing, viscosity measurement, fluid mechanics, sensor development, signal processing, experimental research

• Contract: Full-time PhD position

• Duration: Four years, with a qualifier in the first year

• Salary: Approximately €3,059–€3,881 gross per month, depending on experience and year of appointment

• Funding: Funded PhD employment with a salary and standard Dutch university employment benefits

• Application deadline: 16 August 2026

Research Focus

Viscosity is an important physical property in many scientific, industrial, and biomedical applications. Conventional viscosity measurements often require laboratory instruments, sample preparation, or direct contact with the fluid. Ultrasound offers the possibility of developing compact and potentially non-invasive sensing methods that can characterize fluids through their acoustic and flow behaviour.

The PhD project will focus on understanding how ultrasonic waves interact with flowing liquids and how those interactions can be used to estimate viscosity. Depending on the project’s detailed work plan, the research may include:

• Development and testing of ultrasonic flow-sensing concepts.

• Experimental characterization of liquids with different viscosity values.

• Analysis of acoustic propagation, attenuation, scattering, and flow-induced effects.

• Signal processing and model development for viscosity estimation.

• Sensor calibration and validation against reference measurements.

• Integration of experimental data with computational or data-driven models.

This project could appeal to applicants with backgrounds in electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, acoustics, applied mathematics, or a related field.

Eligibility and Skills

Applicants should normally hold, or be close to completing, a relevant master’s degree. Suitable backgrounds may include:

• Electrical or electronic engineering.

• Biomedical engineering.

• Mechanical engineering or fluid mechanics.

• Physics, applied physics, or acoustics.

• Applied mathematics, instrumentation, or a related discipline.

Useful preparation may include experience with ultrasound, acoustic sensing, flow measurements, experimental laboratory work, signal processing, numerical modelling, or scientific programming. Familiarity with MATLAB, Python, finite-element modelling, or embedded sensing would be advantageous, although the exact requirements should be confirmed in the official vacancy announcement.

Applicants should also demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills, good scientific communication, and the ability to work independently while collaborating in an interdisciplinary research team.

Funding and Benefits

The position is advertised as a funded PhD employment opportunity. The stated salary range is approximately €3,059 to €3,881 gross per month, with progression during the appointment. The position is full time and normally runs for four years, subject to successful completion of a qualifier during the first year.

PhD candidates at the University of Twente are supported through the Twente Graduate School. The doctoral structure includes research training, supervision, and professional development activities. University-wide doctoral programmes at Twente are coordinated by the Twente Graduate School and are designed to prepare candidates for independent research and a PhD degree.

The employment package may also include holiday allowance, an end-of-year bonus, pension participation, paid leave, and access to university facilities. Applicants should verify the exact salary, benefits, and contract conditions in the official vacancy page before applying.

Why Apply?

This PhD is a strong opportunity for researchers who want to work at the intersection of ultrasound technology, fluid mechanics, and quantitative sensing. It may be especially suitable for candidates interested in:

• Ultrasound elastography and acoustic characterization.

• Biomedical instrumentation and point-of-care diagnostics.

• Microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip technologies.

• Non-invasive monitoring of industrial or biological fluids.

• Physics-informed machine learning for sensor calibration.

• Experimental validation combined with computational modelling.

The University of Twente offers an international research environment with strong expertise in engineering, high-tech systems, biomedical technology, and applied science. The project’s combination of fundamental measurement principles and practical sensor development may also provide opportunities for collaboration with industrial or clinical partners.

How to Apply

Applicants should apply through the official University of Twente or AcademicTransfer vacancy portal before 16 August 2026. Prepare the following materials unless the official advertisement specifies otherwise:

• A focused motivation letter explaining your interest in ultrasound-based viscosity sensing.

• An academic CV.

• Degree certificates and academic transcripts.

• A short description of relevant research or thesis work.

• Contact details for academic referees.

• Evidence of programming, modelling, experimental, or signal-processing experience where relevant.

In the motivation letter, applicants should clearly connect their previous experience to the project. For example, experience in ultrasound imaging, shear-wave measurements, fluid mechanics, sensor design, MATLAB/Python programming, or inverse problems could be highlighted with a specific project or result.

Application Link

Apply through the official University of Twente vacancy portal via the University’s PhD vacancies page or search the exact title “PhD position on viscosity sensing of a liquid using ultrasound.” Confirm the deadline and document requirements immediately before submission.

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