Postdoc Phase and Flow Behavior of CO2 with Impurities

Delft; Delft; On-site; EUR 40,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

TU Delft invites applications for a Postdoc position focusing on the phase and flow behavior of CO2 with impurities at high pressure. The project combines experimental measurements using a high-pressure VLE cell and a CO2 flow loop, in the Process and Energy Department of TU Delft's Faculty of Mechanical Engineering.

The successful candidate will investigate solubility of acidic components in CO2 under gaseous, liquid and supercritical conditions and contribute to advancing CCS technologies.

Qualifications

• PhD in applied physics, chemical engineering or mechanical engineering.
• Strong thermodynamics and/or fluid mechanics knowledge.
• Experience in high‑pressure phase equilibrium measurements and/or supercritical flow measurements.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills.

Skills

Thermodynamics

Fluid mechanics

High pressure phase equilibrium

Supercritical flow measurements

Collaboration skills

Education

PhD in Applied Physics

PhD in Chemical Engineering

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Postdoc Phase and Flow Behavior of CO2 with Impurities

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a complementary measure to prevent climate change. Depending on the CO2 source and the carbon tehcnology employed, the captured CO2 stream may contain a wide variety of impurities that can pose challenges during transportation and storage. Among these, NOx and SOx are of particular interest because they can react to form acids, increasing the risk of pipeline corrosion. In this joint industry‑academia project, you will experimentally investigate the phase behavior and flow chareacteristics of high pressure CO2 containing acidic impurities. The project involves measuring the solubility of acidic components in high pressure CO2 under gaseous, liquid, and supercritical conditions, as well as examining the flow behavior of these mixtures. Experimental work will be carried out using a high pressure vapor-liquid equilibrium cell and a CO2 flowloop, both of which are available but may require modifications to accommodate the planned measurements.

The project will be conducted within the Process and Energy Department at the faculty of Mechanical Engineering at TU Delft, under supervision of Dr. Mahinder Ramdin and Prof. Rene Pecnik.

Job requirements

The succesful candidate has the following qualifications:

• An PhD degree in either applied physics, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering or a similar field
• Profound knowledge of thermodynamics and/or fluid mechanics
• Demonstrated expertise in (high) pressure phase equilibrium measurements and/or (supercritical) fluid flow measurements
• Good collaboration and communication skills

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 38 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.
• 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. .

You can address your application to Dr. Mahinder Ramdin and Prof. Rene Pecnik.
Please note:

• As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We will 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 inform. 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.You can find more information about this assessment on our website aboutknowledge security.

Faculty/Department: Faculty of Mechanical Engineering

FTE: 1,0

Submission is possible until: 13 Sep 2026