Postdoc Experimental Study of Ice Formation Process for Contrails (Delft, NL, 2628 CD)

Qabird; Delft; On-site; EUR 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension ABP

Flexible working week

Education and training opportunities

Parental leave

Relocation assistance

Job summary

TU Delft's Faculty of Aerospace Engineering invites applications from outstanding PhD candidates to join a world-class research environment in Delft, the Netherlands. You will design experimental setups to study ice nucleation pathways related to engine exhaust and collaborate with researchers to validate microphysics models.

Join a diverse, international community and contribute to climate-focused aviation research while growing professionally within a leading European university.

Qualifications

• A PhD in a relevant subject such as aerospace engineering, aeronautical engineering, atmospheric sciences or (applied) physics.
• Excellent lab-experiences.
• Advanced mathematical, analytical skills and programming skills (Python).
• Interest in interdisciplinary research and ability to work with international partners.
• Excellent English communication skills for an international environment.
• Ability to learn independently and show initiative.
• Team player open to discussion and constructive criticism.
• Previous involvement in scientific research is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design an experimental setup to investigate ice nucleation pathways related to engine exhaust emissions.
• Collect and analyze data to validate microphysics models of ice nucleation.
• Collaborate with researchers inside and outside the faculty to strengthen research outcomes.
• Contribute to dissemination of results and potential climate impact insights.

Skills

Lab experience

Mathematical skills

Programming (Python)

Interdisciplinary research

English proficiency

Independent learning

Team player

Scientific research experience

Education

PhD in Aerospace/Aeronautical/Atmospheric Physics

Tools

Python

Job description

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. The potential mitigation measures include technolgy advances for low emissions, using alterantive fuels like sustainable aviation fuels and hydrogen. However, a large part of the aviation’s climate effects originates from the non-CO2 emissions, e.g., contrail with a large uncertainty still. Amongst all, one important research gap is the contrail formation pathways attributed to different engine exhaust conditions, which is crucial for the further development of contrails hence the resulting climate impact.

In this research, you will design a proper experimetal 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 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 stength the research outcome.

Job requirements

• A PHD degree in a relevant subject, such as aerospace engineering, aeronatucial engineering, atmospheric sciences, or (applied) physics.
• Excellent lab-experiences
• Advanced mathematical, analytical skills, and programming skills, e.g., 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.

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.

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. Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

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.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming workplace, assisted by an active Diversity & Inclusion team. This includes tangible support such as funding for extra personnel for family and caregiving responsibilities, mentoring programmes, and initiatives that promote cultural exchange and integration.

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
• A job of 36-40 hours per week.
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• 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.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website 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. .

Additional information

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Dr.Feijia Yin, via [e-mail].