PhD Position on Fluid Dynamics of Microplastics Removal

Fluid dynamics of microplastics: reducing plastic microfiber pollutant release at the source by rational flow design

New technologies are urgently needed to limit micro-plastics release in the aquatic environment. A large contribution to micro-plastics pollution comes from microfibers released from clothes in our washing machines, which cannot be completely filtered with current methods. In the MicroWash project, the team will combine novel experiments and simulations to investigate the fluid mechanical principles of microfiber transport and trapping in filters, and optimize new approaches of active and passive separation of the hardest-to-filter microfibers. MicroWash aims to deliver the next generation of low-cost, high-performance filters for washing machines, to cut microfiber emission at the source. Three PhD positions are available on this project: The three PhD candidates working on the project will collaborate closely with each other and the project offers exciting synergies with both industrial partners and non-profits.  

PhD position in the group of Dr. Burak Eral (www.erallab.com ) will be on microfluidics and separations in the Process & Energy Department of Mechanical Engineering department. In this project,  you will develop experimental strategies to unravel how micropacticles of distinct physiochemical make up and geometry interact with flow, surrounding boundaries with the application of capturing microparticles.

We are looking for a candidates with an MSc in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, Chemical Engineering or related disciplines. Applicants need to demonstrate:

• An excellent track record in their education and research.
• A strong educational background in fluid dynamics and transport phenomena.
• Research experience in experimental or numerical fluid dynamics, as evidenced by reports or papers from previous research.
• An ability and willingness to learn to communicate effectively with different audiences.
• Excellent command of English (written and spoken).
• Interest in working in a team with close synergy between experiments and simulations.
• An open mind to collaborate with colleagues, project partners, and industry.

Additional requirements for each this PhD position in Microwash project:

• Background in process engineering (mechanical/chemical), hydrodynamics & soft matter is essential.
• Hands on research experience in microfluidics, microscopy, microparticle synthesis.

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 € 2770 per month in the first year to € 3539 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 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 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!

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.

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 18 March 2024 via the application button and upload the following documents as PDF files via the online portal:

Notes:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Burak Eral, email: [email protected] (experiments).

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