PhD Position Experimental Physics Thermal-Hydraulics in Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technology

Investigating Experimental Thermal-Hydraulics in Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technology for Land-based and Maritime Applications

Perform experimental research and develop accurate datasets that help shape the next generation of micro nuclear reactors for land-based and maritime applications. At TU Delft, you will design and operate unique thermo-hydraulic experiments that directly contribute to the safety and deployment of advanced reactor technology. You will work in an interdisciplinary consortium while collaborating closely with a second PhD researcher focused on reactor modelling and safety analysis.

Job description

TU Delft is part of a consortium led by Allseas that is developing a micro High-Temperature Reactor (HTR), being a pebble-bed design, for land-based and maritime applications. Within this project, you will generate experimental data that support reactor safety assessment and model validation.

As a PhD candidate, you will investigate passive heat removal and reactor behavior during water ingress scenarios in the MARLIN pebble-bed reactor concept. You will design, build and operate a non-nuclear experimental facility consisting of a tiltable reactor vessel with heated pebbles and advanced measurement systems.

You will perform experiments that vary pebble power, vessel orientation, water flow and pebble configurations to study heat transfer, natural convection, boiling phenomena and hotspot formation. Experiments will include extreme maritime conditions with vessel inclinations up to 90 degrees.

A second research line focuses on the influence of ship motions such as roll, pitch and heave on pebble-bed behavior. You will develop dedicated experimental setups to measure pebble movement, collision dynamics and local density variations under non-stationary conditions.

The validated datasets you generate will directly support the adjoining PhD project on high-fidelity reactor modelling and safety analysis. Together, both positions contribute to the safe deployment of advanced microreactors.

You will join TU Delft’s nuclear engineering community and have access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, international collaborators and doctoral education programmes. The position offers opportunities to develop expertise in thermal hydraulics, experimental methods, reactor safety and nuclear energy technologies.

Job requirements

• You hold, or will soon obtain, a Master's degree in applied physics, mechanical engineering or a related field.
• You have a strong interest in experimental research and laboratory work.
• You have a proven interest/background in thermal hydraulics (fluid dynamics and heat transfer).
• You enjoy designing, building and operating experimental facilities.
• You can work collaboratively in multidisciplinary research teams.
• You communicate effectively in spoken and written English.
• You work proactively, accurately and in a structured manner.
• You are interested in advanced nuclear energy systems and reactor safety.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a 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.

Faculty Applied Sciences

The Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. 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.

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.

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.

As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, 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.