PhD Experimental Fluid Dynamics of Microalgae Suspensions

Photosynthetic microalgae hold promise for the sustainable production of high-value products, bioplastics, biofuels and future engineering living materials. Flowing suspensions of living microalgae cells form a living fluid, which physiologically respond to the environment and to the flow conditions. Fundamental knowledge of the flow dynamics of living suspensions of microalgae is now crucial to develop new flow technologies for bioreactors.

Several PhD positions are available in the project “Flow4Algae”. The goal of this experimental project is to understand the multiscale fluid dynamics of living microalgae suspensions. We are particularly interested in the interplay between flow conditions, cell physiology and cell growth. Each different project will focus on flow conditions ranging from linear shear flows in microfluidics to weak turbulence and will characterize cell growth and distribution in the fluid medium and biofilm growth on surfaces. In this project, you will design new multi-scale experiments and analytical tools for the different flow regimes. These studies will be conducted in BioFluids Laboratory in TU Delft and will use the infrastructure in the laboratory including advanced flow diagnostics (Particle Image Velocimetry, Particle Tracking Velocimetry and Laser Induced Fluorescence), microscopy (3D tracking multi-view microscopy and Fluorescence), rheology tools, microfluidics and existing flow dynamics set ups.

As a PhD, you will be part of a vibrant team of researchers working on the project Flow4Algae, which is housed in the Biofluids laboratory, Fluid Dynamics and Multiphase Systems groups, with diverse backgrounds and expertise. The group is part of the Process & Energy Department , which thrives to conduct world-class research & education focusing on process & energy technologies for sustainable development.
The research is conducted from a deep understanding of the underlying physics and is oriented towards industrial applications and societal needs.

We are looking for enthusiastic and inquisitive researchers, who want to develop their know-how and experience in a challenging academic environment. The successful candidate should have:

• A MSc degree in Mechanical Engineering, (Applied) Physics, Maritime Technology, Aeronautics, or equivalent degree with a strong background in fluid mechanics is a prerequisite.
• Experience in conducting experimental work is regarded as a strength.
• A critical and inquisitive attitude with regard to results is expected, which translates into formulating new research questions.
• Ability to function both in a team and independently.
• Strong communication skills, and both oral and written proficiency in English.

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 € 2541 per month in the first year to € 3247 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 sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

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!

The Faculty of 3mE carries out pioneering research, leading to new fundamental insights and challenging applications in the field of mechanical engineering. From large-scale energy storage, medical instruments, control technology and robotics to smart materials, nanoscale structures and autonomous ships. The foundations and results of this research are reflected in outstanding, contemporary education, inspiring students and PhD candidates to become socially engaged and responsible engineers and scientists. The faculty of 3mE is a dynamic and innovative faculty with an international scope and high-tech lab facilities. Research and education focus on the design, manufacture, application and modification of products, materials, processes and mechanical devices, contributing to the development and growth of a sustainable society, as well as prosperity and welfare.

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.

For information about this vacancy, you can contact Dr Daniel Tam, Associate Professor, email: d.s.w.tam@tudelft.nl .

For information about the selection procedure, please contact Ms Linda Verhaar, HR advisor, email: application-3mE@tudelft.nl .

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply via the application button by 20 November 2022 and upload:

• a cover letter stating your motivation,
• detailed curriculum vitae (including a list of publications, if any),
• names of up to three professional referees,
• a summary of your MSc thesis,
• list of courses and grades at Master and Bachelor level (in English).

Please note:

• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.

Photosynthetic microalgae hold promise for the sustainable production of high-value products, bioplastics, biofuels and future engineering living materials. Flowing suspensions of living microalgae cells form a living fluid, which physiologically respond to the environment and to the flow conditions. Fundamental knowledge of the flow dynamics of living suspensions of microalgae is now crucial to develop new flow technologies for bioreactors.

Several PhD positions are available in the project “Flow4Algae”. The goal of this experimental project is to understand the multiscale fluid dynamics of living microalgae suspensions. We are particularly interested in the interplay between flow conditions, cell physiology and cell growth. Each different project will focus on flow conditions ranging from linear shear flows in microfluidics to weak turbulence and will characterize cell growth and distribution in the fluid medium and biofilm growth on surfaces. In this project, you will design new multi-scale experiments and analytical tools for the different flow regimes. These studies will be conducted in BioFluids Laboratory in TU Delft and will use the infrastructure in the laboratory including advanced flow diagnostics (Particle Image Velocimetry, Particle Tracking Velocimetry and Laser Induced Fluorescence), microscopy (3D tracking multi-view microscopy and Fluorescence), rheology tools, microfluidics and existing flow dynamics set ups.

As a PhD, you will be part of a vibrant team of researchers working on the project Flow4Algae, which is housed in the Biofluids laboratory, Fluid Dynamics and Multiphase Systems groups, with diverse backgrounds and expertise. The group is part of the Process & Energy Department , which thrives to conduct world-class research & education focusing on process & energy technologies for sustainable development.
The research is conducted from a deep understanding of the underlying physics and is oriented towards industrial applications and societal needs.

We are looking for enthusiastic and inquisitive researchers, who want to develop their know-how and experience in a challenging academic environment. The successful candidate should have:

• A MSc degree in Mechanical Engineering, (Applied) Physics, Maritime Technology, Aeronautics, or equivalent degree with a strong background in fluid mechanics is a prerequisite.
• Experience in conducting experimental work is regarded as a strength.
• A critical and inquisitive attitude with regard to results is expected, which translates into formulating new research questions.
• Ability to function both in a team and independently.
• Strong communication skills, and both oral and written proficiency in English.

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 € 2541 per month in the first year to € 3247 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 sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

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!

The Faculty of 3mE carries out pioneering research, leading to new fundamental insights and challenging applications in the field of mechanical engineering. From large-scale energy storage, medical instruments, control technology and robotics to smart materials, nanoscale structures and autonomous ships. The foundations and results of this research are reflected in outstanding, contemporary education, inspiring students and PhD candidates to become socially engaged and responsible engineers and scientists. The faculty of 3mE is a dynamic and innovative faculty with an international scope and high-tech lab facilities. Research and education focus on the design, manufacture, application and modification of products, materials, processes and mechanical devices, contributing to the development and growth of a sustainable society, as well as prosperity and welfare.

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.

For information about this vacancy, you can contact Dr Daniel Tam, Associate Professor, email: d.s.w.tam@tudelft.nl .

For information about the selection procedure, please contact Ms Linda Verhaar, HR advisor, email: application-3mE@tudelft.nl .

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply via the application button by 20 November 2022 and upload:

• a cover letter stating your motivation,
• detailed curriculum vitae (including a list of publications, if any),
• names of up to three professional referees,
• a summary of your MSc thesis,
• list of courses and grades at Master and Bachelor level (in English).

Please note:

• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.