PhD Position The Reprocessing of Molten Salt Fuels - a Proces Technological Study

About the project:

Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs) offer a promising path toward sustainable nuclear energy. In these reactors, the fuel is continuously cleaned to remove fission products and actinides such as uranium. This purification process is highly complex, involving multiple steps under extreme conditions—high temperatures and corrosive environments.

Research focus:

This PhD position aims to investigate how specific fission products can be removed from molten salt. The emphasis will be on understanding and optimizing the removal process, where physical transport phenomena play a critical role. The research will combine:

• Numerical modelling: Develop and validate models to describe transport and separation mechanisms.
• Experimental work: Design and operate an experimental setup using molten salt to study key phenomena under controlled conditions.

Your role:

As a PhD candidate, you will work at the intersection of theory and practice, contributing to both computational and experimental aspects of the project. You will collaborate with other scientists and technical experts within our research group.

Job requirements:

• MSc in a relevant field, such as (applied) physics, chemical engineering, or mechanical engineering
• Combines creativity with a sound academic attitude
• Proven excellence in transport phenomena and modelling in this field
• Strong interest in a project that combines experimental work as well as numerical modelling and programming, with demonstrated skills in both areas
• Excellent communication skills in English, both in writing and speaking

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 Applied Sciences

With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 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 educate innovative 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.

Conditions of employment

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 €3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.

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.

Relocation support

If you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job, TU Delft is committed to making your move as smooth as possible. The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Knowledge security

As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. This is done to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. Applying for an exemption for specific research and educational areas is an obligatory part of the selection procedure for this vacancy. This exemption must be obtained from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) before an employment contract is agreed upon.

Additional information

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Martin Rodhe, via M.Rohde@tudelft.nl.