Postdoctoral researcher on the removal of metallic fission particles from molten salt nuclear reactor fuels by flotation.

Updated: almost 2 years ago
Deadline: 16 Jun 2022

From molten salt reactor fuel valuable fission isotopes can be extracted, such as noble metals/platinoids and rare earths. One of the technologies to perform the extraction of solid fission isotopes is by introducing an inert, noble gas and the process of so-called flotation. The efficiency of extraction depends on a wide range of parameters, such as the fluid properties, the particle properties and the applied flow regime. In this project, the extraction process is studied at temperatures and conditions that are typical for molten salt reactors. To this purpose, the post-doctoral researcher will design a new experimental facility and investigate the extraction efficiency of metallic particles. Local quantities such as particle density and fluid velocity need to be studied to understand the physical phenomena causing flotation. Due to the elevated temperatures and the use of corrosive salts, a range of technological and scientific challenges need to be tackled. The post-doctoral researcher will cooperate with the principle investigator, our technical staff and the work shop.

The post-doctoral researcher should have a PhD degree in a fluid mechanics related topic and should be an excellent experimentalist who seeks for designing and building challenging facilities and performing complex measurements. Moreover, the candidate should be able to understand and improve (mechanistic) models that describe the flotation process and to apply them in a numerical code. Knowledge of laser-based techniques (PIV, LDA) is a pre but not a prerequisite. Finally, the applicant should have the ability to work in an internationally operating team, take initiative and have an affinity for teaching and guiding students.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount 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. An International Children's Centre offers childcare and there is an international primary school.

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!

With more than 1,000 employees, including 135 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,400 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we train students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers and science communicators. https://www.tudelft.nl/en/tnw/


From molten salt reactor fuel valuable fission isotopes can be extracted, such as noble metals/platinoids and rare earths. One of the technologies to perform the extraction of solid fission isotopes is by introducing an inert, noble gas and the process of so-called flotation. The efficiency of extraction depends on a wide range of parameters, such as the fluid properties, the particle properties and the applied flow regime. In this project, the extraction process is studied at temperatures and conditions that are typical for molten salt reactors. To this purpose, the post-doctoral researcher will design a new experimental facility and investigate the extraction efficiency of metallic particles. Local quantities such as particle density and fluid velocity need to be studied to understand the physical phenomena causing flotation. Due to the elevated temperatures and the use of corrosive salts, a range of technological and scientific challenges need to be tackled. The post-doctoral researcher will cooperate with the principle investigator, our technical staff and the work shop.

The post-doctoral researcher should have a PhD degree in a fluid mechanics related topic and should be an excellent experimentalist who seeks for designing and building challenging facilities and performing complex measurements. Moreover, the candidate should be able to understand and improve (mechanistic) models that describe the flotation process and to apply them in a numerical code. Knowledge of laser-based techniques (PIV, LDA) is a pre but not a prerequisite. Finally, the applicant should have the ability to work in an internationally operating team, take initiative and have an affinity for teaching and guiding students.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount 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. An International Children's Centre offers childcare and there is an international primary school.

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!

With more than 1,000 employees, including 135 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,400 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we train students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers and science communicators. https://www.tudelft.nl/en/tnw/



Similar Positions