Postdoc Molecular Dynamics and Process Simulation of High Temperature Thermal Storage Systems

Delft University of Technology; Delft; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ABP pension scheme

Flexible working week

Education and training opportunities

Leave with buy/sell options (annual 2

Parental leave (partially paid)

Vitality program

Job summary

Delft University of Technology seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to investigate molten salts for high-temperature thermal energy storage. The role focuses on linking molecular simulations with process-scale models to improve decarbonisation of industrial heat.

You will work in the Heat Transformation Technology Section of the Process & Energy department under senior supervision, collaborating with partners across the Netherlands.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Investigate molten salts for high-temperature thermal energy storage using multiscale modelling.
• Link molecular-level understanding to engineering-scale performance for industrial decarbonization.
• Collaborate with industrial stakeholders and Dutch research institutes within the HyCarb project.

Skills

Molecular simulation

Process modelling

Communication in English

Education

PhD in chemical/ mechanical engineering or related field

Tools

Molecular dynamics software

Process modelling tools

Job description

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

Carbon-based chemicals are essential building blocks for modern society, forming the basis of various products ranging from plastics and fuels to solvents. Demand for these chemicals is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. However, their synthesis 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 deployment 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 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

We are looking for a highly motivated and independent postdoctoral researcher with a strong interest in multiscale modelling. The candidate should meet the following 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.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide 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 joining an international community of professionals and students.

Faculty Mechanical Engineering

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It is a large faculty but also versatile, enabling unique connections by combining different disciplines.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 2 years Temporary
• 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.

As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by candidates, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process.