PhD Position Design of Plant-Based Dairy Alternatives Using Molecular Modeling

Are you eager to perform cutting-edge molecular modeling to design plant-based dairy alternatives? Then, this position is for you.

PhD Position: Design of Plant-Based Dairy Alternatives Using Molecular Modeling

Job Description

You will join a unique project which aims to develop the next generation of plant-based dairy alternatives. You will be embedded in the Process & Energy department of the Mechanical Engineering Faculty at TU Delft, working together with researchers from Wageningen University & Research (WUR) and industrial stakeholders. Developing dairy alternatives is challenging since food structures and textures must be created from plant-based ingredients that provide the same mouthfeel as dairy foods. To this purpose, the HARMONY project, funded by NWO, proposes a novel approach combining experimental and simulation methods to obtain physicochemical and sensory properties of new compounds that mimic dairy foods. This approach is expected to revolutionize the field.

Job Requirements

The ideal candidate:

• Has an MSc in Mechanical, Chemical, Materials Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or a similar discipline.
• Possesses strong knowledge in core disciplines such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, and thermodynamics.
• Has experience with scientific computing and proven knowledge of programming, demonstrated by prior research or personal projects.
• Enjoys working in a team comprising other students (MSc or PhD), senior researchers, and stakeholders.
• Has excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Has a positive attitude.
• Is able to work independently.

Prior experience with molecular simulation, ab-initio, or macroscale modeling is not strictly necessary, but will be considered a strong plus.

About TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

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.

Faculty of Mechanical Engineering

Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the Mechanical Engineering (ME) faculty focus on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes, and (mechanical) systems.

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, enabling unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’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.

Conditions of Employment

• Fixed-term contract: 48 months.
• A salary of €2,770 gross per month in the first year, up to a maximum of €3,539 gross per month in the fourth and final year, based on a full-time position.
• A holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income and an 8.3% year-end bonus.
• A temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for another three years; prolongation of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year to indicate that you will successfully complete your PhD thesis within the next three years.
• A PhD training programme is part of the agreement.

The position is immediately available.

Additional Information

For more information about this vacancy, please contact the PI at o.moultos@tudelft.nl.