PhD Position Design of new flatfish stimulation devices

Would you like to understand how flatfish respond to optical, acoustic and mechanical stimuli, how they swim, and how they burrow themselves in the sediment? Do you have an interest in reducing the adverse environmental effects of bottom-trawl fishing? Will you then join our interdisciplinary team of fish biologists, biomechanicists and engineers?

Fisheries targeting sole and plaice typically use heavy  tickler chains dragged through the sediment to startle and catch the fish. This technique results in (1) low catch selectivity with high bycatch, (2) high fuel costs owing to high drag, and (3) severe environmental impact (bottom disturbance, CO2 production, and release of pollutants). Therefore, a better fishing technique without tickler chains is required. Supported by the Applied and Engineering Sciences of NWO (the Netherlands Science Foundation), Wageningen University, Wageningen Marine Research, and Delft University of Technology aim to develop new catching techniques that are more efficient with a reduced environmental impact.

To help achieving this, the PhD candidate will study the physics of acoustic, optical, hydraulic and mechanical stimuli and based on this knowledge develop appropriately dimensioned actuators. The stimuli should be optimal to increase both the volume and selectivity of the catch, but at the same time minimize the impact on the seabed and water column. In addition, the actuators should also minimize the energy usage and avoid large power fluctuations. The latter is important to promote the usage of alternative (electrical) energy sources in future fishing vessels. This requires an in-depth understanding of the underlying physics. The PhD will conduct both experiments and numerical simulations to achieve this knowledge. The PhD will closely collaborate with a PhD at Wageningen University that focusses on fish behavior in response to various stimuli (see: link ). In the second phase of the project the PhD will also collaborate with a postdoc who will integrate the knowledge into a future demersal fishing gear design concept.

You will work in a stimulating environment composed of an interdisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technicians at the Department of Maritime & Transport Technology of Delft University of Technology, in close cooperation with Wageningen Marine Research and Experimental Zoology Group of Wageningen University. Together, we aim to develop better fishing techniques, based on an in-depth understanding of escape behavior and swimming biomechanics of flatfish. Here you can find more information about the project and the link to the vacancy of Wageningen University.

• A successfully completed MSc degree in (applied) physics, mechanical engineering, geotechnical engineering, ocean engineering or equivalent;
• Excellent communication skills
• Open mind and interdisciplinary interest: different fields of physics, engineering and biology.
• Skills in numerical modelling, data analysis, experimental design;
• Ability to think critically, and express oneself in a scientific manner;
• A very good level of oral and written English. You are required to show us a certification of English skills.
• Fulfilment of all the entry requirements of the Delft University of Technology graduate school programme completed MSc degree in (applied) physics, mechanical engineering, geotechnical, ocean engineering or equivalent;
• Shares information and experiences with others;
• Contributes ideas, proposals and other input designed to achieve a group result;
• Responds actively and constructively to the ideas of others;
• Bridges people’s differences and their different viewpoints;

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements .

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2443 per month in the first year to € 3122 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

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 and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct ). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

The Faculty of 3mE carries out pioneering research, leading to new fundamental insights and challenging applications in the field of mechanical engineering. From large-scale energy storage, medical instruments, control technology and robotics to smart materials, nanoscale structures and autonomous ships. The foundations and results of this research are reflected in outstanding, contemporary education, inspiring students and PhD candidates to become socially engaged and responsible engineers and scientists. The faculty of 3mE is a dynamic and innovative faculty with an international scope and high-tech lab facilities. Research and education focus on the design, manufacture, application and modification of products, materials, processes and mechanical devices, contributing to the development and growth of a sustainable society, as well as prosperity and welfare.

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? This video will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. G. H. Keetels, e-mail: [email protected]

For information about the application procedure, please contact Nathalie van Benthem, e-mail: [email protected]     

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply by May 31, 2022 via the application button and upload your motivation and CV.

A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.

You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.

Would you like to understand how flatfish respond to optical, acoustic and mechanical stimuli, how they swim, and how they burrow themselves in the sediment? Do you have an interest in reducing the adverse environmental effects of bottom-trawl fishing? Will you then join our interdisciplinary team of fish biologists, biomechanicists and engineers?

Fisheries targeting sole and plaice typically use heavy  tickler chains dragged through the sediment to startle and catch the fish. This technique results in (1) low catch selectivity with high bycatch, (2) high fuel costs owing to high drag, and (3) severe environmental impact (bottom disturbance, CO2 production, and release of pollutants). Therefore, a better fishing technique without tickler chains is required. Supported by the Applied and Engineering Sciences of NWO (the Netherlands Science Foundation), Wageningen University, Wageningen Marine Research, and Delft University of Technology aim to develop new catching techniques that are more efficient with a reduced environmental impact.

To help achieving this, the PhD candidate will study the physics of acoustic, optical, hydraulic and mechanical stimuli and based on this knowledge develop appropriately dimensioned actuators. The stimuli should be optimal to increase both the volume and selectivity of the catch, but at the same time minimize the impact on the seabed and water column. In addition, the actuators should also minimize the energy usage and avoid large power fluctuations. The latter is important to promote the usage of alternative (electrical) energy sources in future fishing vessels. This requires an in-depth understanding of the underlying physics. The PhD will conduct both experiments and numerical simulations to achieve this knowledge. The PhD will closely collaborate with a PhD at Wageningen University that focusses on fish behavior in response to various stimuli (see: link ). In the second phase of the project the PhD will also collaborate with a postdoc who will integrate the knowledge into a future demersal fishing gear design concept.

You will work in a stimulating environment composed of an interdisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technicians at the Department of Maritime & Transport Technology of Delft University of Technology, in close cooperation with Wageningen Marine Research and Experimental Zoology Group of Wageningen University. Together, we aim to develop better fishing techniques, based on an in-depth understanding of escape behavior and swimming biomechanics of flatfish. Here you can find more information about the project and the link to the vacancy of Wageningen University.

• A successfully completed MSc degree in (applied) physics, mechanical engineering, geotechnical engineering, ocean engineering or equivalent;
• Excellent communication skills
• Open mind and interdisciplinary interest: different fields of physics, engineering and biology.
• Skills in numerical modelling, data analysis, experimental design;
• Ability to think critically, and express oneself in a scientific manner;
• A very good level of oral and written English. You are required to show us a certification of English skills.
• Fulfilment of all the entry requirements of the Delft University of Technology graduate school programme completed MSc degree in (applied) physics, mechanical engineering, geotechnical, ocean engineering or equivalent;
• Shares information and experiences with others;
• Contributes ideas, proposals and other input designed to achieve a group result;
• Responds actively and constructively to the ideas of others;
• Bridges people’s differences and their different viewpoints;

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements .

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2443 per month in the first year to € 3122 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

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 and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct ). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

The Faculty of 3mE carries out pioneering research, leading to new fundamental insights and challenging applications in the field of mechanical engineering. From large-scale energy storage, medical instruments, control technology and robotics to smart materials, nanoscale structures and autonomous ships. The foundations and results of this research are reflected in outstanding, contemporary education, inspiring students and PhD candidates to become socially engaged and responsible engineers and scientists. The faculty of 3mE is a dynamic and innovative faculty with an international scope and high-tech lab facilities. Research and education focus on the design, manufacture, application and modification of products, materials, processes and mechanical devices, contributing to the development and growth of a sustainable society, as well as prosperity and welfare.

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? This video will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. G. H. Keetels, e-mail: [email protected]

For information about the application procedure, please contact Nathalie van Benthem, e-mail: [email protected]     

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply by May 31, 2022 via the application button and upload your motivation and CV.

A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.

You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.