Postdoc Molecular Dynamics and Process Simulation of High Temperature Thermal Storage Systems ([...]

Qabird; Delft; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Qabird is seeking a PhD-level researcher to investigate molten salts for high-temperature thermal energy storage, using a combination of molecular dynamics and process-scale simulations. You will connect molecular insights to engineering performance to advance sustainable chemical production.

Situated in the Heat Transformation Technology Section of the Process & Energy department, you will collaborate with TU Delft and industry partners across the Netherlands, contributing to both fundamental

Qualifications

• PhD in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, physics, or related field.
• Experience with molecular simulation and/or process modelling and simulation.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics and heat and mass transfer.
• Excellent communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Investigate molten salts for high-temperature thermal energy storage using molecular dynamics and process-scale simulations.
• Link molecular-level understanding to engineering-scale performance.
• Collaborate with TU Delft faculty and industrial partners across the Netherlands.

Skills

Molecular simulation

Process modelling

English communication

Education

PhD in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, physics, or related field

Job description

Help accelerate the electrification of industry by combining molecular and process-scale simulations for high-temperature thermal energy storage.

Job description

Carbon-based chemicals are essential building blocks for modern society, forming the basis of various types of products, ranging from plastics and fuels to solvents. The demand for these chemicals is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. However, their syntesis relies heavily on energy-intensive processes requiring large amounts of high-temperature heat, which is currently supplied mainly by fossil fuels. Due to the increasing penetration of renewables in the energy mix, the electrification of heat is seen as a promising route to decarbonize this sector. However, green electrons are inherently intermittent, and large scale electrical storage remains challenging and costly. A promising alternative is high-temperature thermal storage. Molten salts are among the most promising candidates for this purpose due to their energy density and scalability.

However, there are still many challenges to address before their deplyment at very high temperatures. In this project, you will investigate molten salts for high-temperature thermal energy storage using a combination of molecular dynamics and process-scale simulations. By linking molecular-level understanding to engineering-scale performance, you will contribute to the development of technologies that support the sustainable production of carbon-based chemicals.

The research will be conducted within the Heat Transformation Technology Section of the Process & Energy department, under the supervision of Prof. K. Hooman and Dr. E. Zanetti. The position is part of the HyCarb project, which aims to support the sustainable production of carbon-based chemicals through the electrification of industrial heat.

The project brings together academic, industrial, and other research partners across the Netherlands, to develop innovative technologies for high-temperature thermal energy storage for industrial decarbonization. As part of the project, you will collaborate closely with industrial stakeholders and Dutch research institutes, contributing to both fundamental and technological development.

Job requirements

• A PhD degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, physics, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience with molecular simulation and/or process modelling and simulation.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, and heat and mass transfer.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken.

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 Mechanical Engineering

From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses 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, so we can often make 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

• 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
• 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

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Kamel Hooman via [e-mail].