JOB DESCRIPTION

The Department of Process & Energy at TU Delft is seeking a new faculty member at the Assistant or Associate level in the field of Nuclear Energy Technology. The ideal candidate is an expert in thermodynamics and transport phenomena who can advance research and education related to nuclear energy conversion systems. We are particularly interested in candidates who, among other topics, study the entire nuclear energy conversion system - including dynamic and part load analysis and related flow and heat transfer aspects in components such as turbines, compressors, pumps, and heat exchangers. Moreover, the ideal candidate should also contribute to the development of next-generation cycles, such as systems with advanced working and heat transfer fluids, thermal storage, and high-temperature hydrogen generation. As fundamental transport phenomena topics are already covered by the department, we are specifically looking for candidates to set up a more application-oriented research line. The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge research and to the education of future engineers in a field of nuclear energy.
With this position the Department of Process & Energy of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at TU Delft aims to strengthen and expand its research and education portfolio in the field of nuclear energy systems. This area is strongly aligned with other sections within the department active in the fields of energy, processes and flow. The position also connects closely to complementary efforts in the Mechanical Engineering Departments of Materials Science and Engineering (e.g., materials for nuclear reactors), Maritime and Transport Technology, and the Faculty of Applied Sciences Department of Radiation Science & Technology (e.g., reactor physics, safety, and simulation). With the support of a well-established national network - including NRG, DIFFER, TNO, Reactor Institute Delft (RID) and companies - the successful candidate will be well-positioned to rapidly develop a leading research program. Knowledge of the Dutch nuclear and energy landscape is considered a strong asset.
Dutch context
In order to generate CO2-neutral electricity in the future, the Dutch government announced in 2021 that it sees a role for nuclear energy again. The Dutch government will keep the current nuclear power plant in Borssele in operation for a longer period of time and make preparations for the construction of two new nuclear power plants. In addition, the development of generation IV nuclear reactors, e.g. molten salt reactors, open the possibility to recycle nuclear waste and close the nuclear fuel cycle. Structurally safeguarding and strengthening of the nuclear knowledge infrastructure in the Netherlands is indispensable for the realization of these ambitions.
Recently, TU Delft has presented an integrated vision of the Netherlands’ global position in the nuclear and radiation ecosystem. This ecosystem is a major and crucial contribution to the energy transition, effective healthcare and materials transition. TU Delft has a prominent place in the nuclear ecosystem of the Netherlands with a nuclear knowledge infrastructure that includes a nuclear reactor on campus for research and education purposes. The cold source, which is in operation since a year, makes the reactor even better suited for materials research and education involving neutron scattering and positron annihilation methods for the benefit of the energy transition and the material transition.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

The candidate is expected to:

• Focus on the development of educational modules and the supervision of BSc, MSc and PhD students.
• Assume an active and eventually leading role in project acquisition and the management of research, education, and organizational responsibilities related to nuclear energy within the Department of Process & Energy, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, and TU Delft at large.
• Play an active and ultimately leading role in national as well as international networks, institutions, and consortia in the field of nuclear energy systems and technologies.
• To have a PhD degree in mechanical, chemical or nuclear engineering, applied physics, or a related field.

Please refer the Job description for details