We are looking for 4 PhD candidates for projects concerning the modeling of transport-phenomena in slurry-bubble columns. This chemical reactor type is encountered in a variety of large scale manufacturing processes such as the production of fuels, chemical building blocks, and many other products. In this research we focus on three-phase gas-solid-liquid multi-component systems with catalytic particles, which are frequently encountered in industrial applications, but have not been tackled fundamentally before due to their complexity.

All PhD projects are part of an overarching project entitled 'Modelling of three-phase flows with catalytic particles', which was recently awarded a prestigious ERC Advanced grant. An overview of the projects is depicted in the figure below. Three levels of complexity will be considered and a multiscale approach is adopted. Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) is used for studying transport phenomena with high accuracy in systems with a relatively small number of bubbles and particles. So-called deterministic and stochastic Euler-Lagrange simulation methods will be used to simulate full columns on laboratory and industrial scale. The modeling will be experimentally validated.



Note: position Phd 3 and PhD 4 are not available anymore.

We are looking for candidates with a background in chemical, mechanical, thermal engineering, physics or a related field. The prospective researcher is expected to have experience in modeling of transport phenomena. An affinity with the process industry is preferred. The research will be computational, therefore experience with coding and modern software development is valued. The ideal candidate has good scientific skills as well as excellent soft skills related to verbal and written communication. The candidate should be a team player.

A meaningful job in a highly motivated team at a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2.541 max. €3.247).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.