From concentrated solar power plants to rocket engines, energy conversion systems are continually re-engineered to perform ever better. Often this involves fluids being pushed into the supercritical region, where highly non-ideal thermodynamic effects are at play. Yet, our fundamental understanding of flow physics at such conditions lags behind to successfully realize these exciting engineering applications.

In this exciting project, funded by the European Research Council, we will investigate the processes on how a laminar fluid becomes turbulent if the fluid is in the supercritical region. Preliminary results indicate, that at certain conditions, it is hardly possible to make a laminar flow turbulent. This has not been observed so far, and in this particular project we will use a combination of analytical approaches, numerical simulations (direct numerical simulation) and experiments to investigate this observation in detail.

We are looking for an excellent Postdoc candidate with a strong background in flow stability analysis, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, or a related discipline. As a Postdoc researcher you will be responsible for analysing the stability of flows with fluids in the highly non-ideal supercritical fluid region, using analytical approaches. You are expected to collaborate in a team of PhD students who will perform complementary numerical simulations and experimental investigations.

To apply, you should have the following qualifications:

• PhD in mechanical engineering or a related area, with a strong background fluid mechanics and flow stability analysis.
• Proven experience in the field of flow stability as well as strong mathematical skills.
• Intrinsic motivation for research and a good publication record.
• Ease with teamwork in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Proficiency in English and excellent communication skills.   

Fixed-term contract: 1 year.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the 3mE faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

3mE is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in 3mE’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.