Postdoc Experimental Study of Ice Formation Process for Contrails

Contrails are aviation sector’s invisible climate threats with large uncertainties. You’ll investigate contrail formation pathways for various particles through lab experiments.

Job description

Facing the climate crisis, the aviation industry has developed an ambitious “net-zero” goal to decarbonize. Potential mitigation measures include technology advances for low emissions and the use of alternative fuels such as sustainable aviation fuels and hydrogen. However, a large part of aviation’s climate effects originates from non-CO2 emissions, such as contrails, which still involve large uncertainty. One important research gap is the contrail formation pathways attributed to different engine exhaust conditions, which is crucial for the further development of contrails and the resulting climate impact.

In this research, you will design a proper experimental setup to investigate the ice nucleation pathways related to different emissions characteristics at the engine exhaust. The collected data would be helpful to validate the microphysics models for the ice nucleation process, hence clarifying the different nucleation pathways for ice formation. You will collaborate with other researchers inside and outside our research group to strengthen the research outcome.

Job requirements

• A PhD degree in a relevant subject, such as aerospace engineering, aeronautical engineering, atmospheric sciences, or (applied) physics.
• Excellent lab experience.
• Advanced mathematical, analytical, and programming skills, for example in Python.
• A keen interest in interdisciplinary research.
• An excellent command of English, as you’ll be working in an internationally diverse community and with international partners.
• Ability to learn independently and passion for research.
• Team player, open to discussion and constructive criticism.
• Previous involvement in scientific research is a plus.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means joining an international community of professionals and students.

Faculty Aerospace Engineering

The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is a leading international community where innovation in aerospace meets global challenges. Our support and scientific staff, including PhD candidates, postdocs, and students, largely work together on three main themes: the energy transition, sustainable aerospace, and safety and security, with the aim of tackling climate change and contributing to the independence and security of Europe.

When you join us, you become part of a diverse, collaborative, and forward-thinking environment where your ideas and perspectives are valued. Our work extends beyond the lab into field labs, innovation hubs, and partnerships with other faculties, research institutes, governments, and industry, both locally and globally.

You don’t just join our faculty — you join a community where you can thrive, grow, and help shape the future of aerospace.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 2 years temporary.
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• Flexible working week.
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave.
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.