In recent years, the circular economy has garnered significant global attention, aiming to optimize resource utilization, minimize waste, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Committed to achieving a fully circular society by 2050, the Netherlands recognizes the construction industry as a crucial arena for this transformation. The field presents multi-faceted challenges requiring collaborative efforts from policymakers, industry stakeholders, and research institutes. Within the construction landscape, road infrastructure serves as a vital component, given its essential role in the Dutch economy. The urgency for improved road infrastructure is exacerbated by a growing population, the aging of existing structures, and increasing threats from climate change-related phenomena.

Bitumen, a ubiquitous hydrocarbon-based material, has been traditionally employed in diverse infrastructure applications including road construction, roofing, dike sealing, and pipelines. While its wide-ranging applicability highlights its functional advantages, the escalating requirements for sustainability necessitate an immediate transition to eco-friendlier alternatives. Sustainable binders derived from secondary materials are emerging as a viable substitute for conventional options.

The postdoctoral researcher aims to develop a compatible, eco-friendly sustainable binder by meticulously analysing each component's inherent characteristics. Furthermore, the research will focus on assessing the durability of this sustainable binder will be evaluated based on experimental characterization. Given the complex nature of these challenges, traditional experimental methods are insufficient in isolation. Molecular Dynamics simulations will supplement experimental approaches, providing accelerated insights into the fundamental mechanisms involved. The ultimate goal is to establish robust design principles for sustainable binders, thereby offering an economically sustainable alternative for road infrastructure.

This postdoctoral position is available within the Pavement Engineering group in the Department of Engineering Structures at TU Delft’s Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences(CiTG). The recent research and achievement can be seen in "Story of Science" [https://www.tudelft.nl/citg/onderzoek/stories-of-science/]. The group boasts extensive experience in advanced modelling, material durability, alternative paving materials, in-situ rejuvenation technologies, and asphalt recycling.

The Department of Engineering Structures focuses on the development of resilient, smart and sustainable structures and infrastructures. Our aim is to meet societal demands in transportation, the energy transition and sustainable reuse. Research themes include dynamics of structures, mechanics of materials related to e.g. climate change, modelling and design of railway systems, multi-scale modelling of pavement materials and structures, reuse of materials, structures and parts of structures, assessment methods for structures, smart monitoring techniques, design methods, replacement and renovation of civil infrastructure and development of new materials and maintenance techniques. Our unique Macro Mechanics Laboratory facilities support full-scale testing, monitoring and modelling of structures to facilitate implementation of innovations. The department delivers both groundbreaking research and world-class education for undergraduate and graduate students. As a team, we represent different backgrounds, skills and views. We foster an inclusive culture, as our combined identities, attitudes and ambitions widen our perspective and make up our strengths.

We are in search of a colleague who harbours a strong commitment to carving out an academic career. The ideal candidate will have an academic background in Material Science, Process Engineering, or Structural Engineering, coupled with a pronounced affinity for, and practical experience in, multidisciplinary research, Molecular Dynamics modelling, and optimization processes.

The candidate is expected to have a well-established scientific track record and should be capable of making substantive contributions to the field of sustainable road materials through publishing in peer-reviewed journals.

Additional Requirements:

•  A doctoral degree in Civil Engineering, Material Science & Engineering, Physics, or a closely related discipline.
•  A research track record manifested through high-quality publications, as well as the ambition and capability to establish a leading research trajectory.
•  Demonstrable expertise and interest in sustainable road material testing and Molecular Dynamics Modelling.
•  Proficiency in spoken and written English is essential.

Fixed-term contract: 2 years.

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 Civil Engineering and Geosciences

The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Our research feeds into our educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource availability, urbanisation and clean water. Our research projects are conducted in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced of the importance of open science and supports its scientists in integrating open science in their research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in the following seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr.ir. Xueyan Liu, Associate Professor (x.liu@tudelft.nl); +31(0)6 14718066.