Assistant Professor In Sustainable Energy Systems

Would you like to be part of a vibrant and collaborative academic community contributing to innovations with real-world relevance? Join us in shaping the future of 'sustainable energy storage and conversion systems' in the heart of the high-tech region of the Netherlands! The Energy Technology section of the Mechanical Engineering department at Eindhoven University of Technology is seeking a passionate and talented Assistant Professor to expand its team.

The department of Mechanical Engineering

The department of Mechanical Engineering conducts world-class research that closely aligns with the technological needs of the high-tech industry in the Netherlands. We are deeply embedded in the Brainport Eindhoven ecosystem, enabling our staff and students to contribute directly to the development of technological breakthroughs with real-world relevance. With a strong track record of successful spin-offs and active participation in numerous national and international research consortia we offer a dynamic environment where science meets application. By offering a balanced education and research program that combines fundamental and application aspects, we aim to develop engineers who are both scientifically educated, and application driven. We equip our graduates with practical and theoretical expertise, preparing them optimally for future challenges.

The Energy Technology Section

The energy transition is one of today’s major societal challenges. There is an urgent need for new renewable energy systems, storage materials and conversion technologies. The Energy Technology (ET) section contributes to this societal challenge through research on energy storage and conversion systems, cooling and separation technologies and fluid-solid interactions. Innovations in these areas are only possible if the investigations are supported by fundamental research on the underlying physical mechanisms. A system integration approach is required to connect the fundamental research to the applications. The ET section covers the entire range of research from fundamental to more application-oriented. This is reflected in publications, a wide range of international research collaborations in combination with close cooperation with industry, and by patents and spin-off companies.

Research

Research in the ET section includes all scientific approaches, i.e., experimental, analytical, and computational techniques. A broad range of experimental techniques is applied to various energy systems, both in the laboratory shared with the Power & Flow section and in the Darcy lab, which is shared with several Dutch research institutes.
Another focal point of the ET section is the development and application of numerical methods for complex fluid flows, molecular dynamics and coupled problems (e.g., fluid-solid interaction), targeting simulation innovations in energy applications (e.g., reservoir modeling) and high-tech systems (e.g., rarefied gas flows for photolithography).
Strong ties with major industries in energy applications and high-tech systems facilitate the identification of new research themes where the group can take a pioneering role. Our section is embedded in the Eindhoven Institute for Renewable Energy Systems (EIRES) within the University, in the national research school for fluid dynamics (J.M. Burgerscentrum), and in 4TU Centre for Energy (4TU.Energy).  

The Position 

Research themes of the candidate

The candidate will focus on sustainable energy storage and conversion systems with an emphasis on experimental validation and system development. The energy transition requires far-reaching revision of current production processes, with particular emphasis on:

• The development of thermally-integrated storage and power conversion systems, using Carnot battery technology based on power cycles.
• The development of thermal energy storage and thermochemical energy storage.
• The recovery and valorization of waste heat and waste cold via conversion and upgrade technologies (e.g. heat pumps and steam recompression).

We welcome profiles that strengthen our section in one of the above mentioned research themes.

Responsibilities 

• You will develop internationally leading research, and you make significant contributions to high-impact journals.  
• You will be responsible for setting up and driving your own independent research program by writing research proposals to acquire public and private funding. You will also contribute to initiating and coordinating multidisciplinary research projects by diverse (external) funding sources.  
• You will lead or contribute to the development of the Mechanical Engineering Bachelor's and Master's teaching programs, and you will teach lectures/tutorials at both levels. TU/e supports its junior scientific staff in developing their teaching skills through a training program that leads to the University Teaching Qualification, an official certification from Dutch Universities.  
• You will supervise and mentor BSc, MSc, EngD and PhD students during their final projects and internships. Your mentorship will empower the next generation of engineers.
• You will contribute to the success of the research group, department, and associated institutes by initiating, participating or leading new internal and external collaborations. 

Job Requirements

• A PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics or comparable.
• A background in thermo-fluids engineering.
• Your expertise is strongly focused on system integration and experimental validation.
• Ability to conduct high quality academic research, reflected in demonstratable outputs.
• Motivated and/or ability to teach, contribute to teaching processes, and develop excellent teaching skills. 
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team. 
• Effective communication and leadership skills, including the ability to coach and mentor students and staff, lead projects or chair groups. 
• Excellent proficiency in English, both written and verbal.  

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• A development track with the prospect of becoming an Associate Professor and the possibility of an immediate tenured position.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. For a junior Assistant Professor this is (scale 11) min. € 4.537,- max. € 6.209,- gross per month (on a full-time basis).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• A start-up package for the purpose of hiring a PhD student to kickstart your research.
• A dedicated mentoring program to help you get to know the university and the Dutch (research) environment.
• High-quality training programs for academic leadership and teaching.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care, sports facilities and extensive resources allocated for conference travel. 
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and partner career support.
• The possibility for part-time employment starting at 0.8 fte (min. 32 hours a week).
• The start date of this position is flexible and in agreement with the candidate.

Information and application

About us 

Our university 

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow. 

Embedding of our Professors 

The department is organized in eight large sections each comprising approximately ten Assistant, Associate, and Full Professors. They have the academic freedom to define and develop their own research profile. Within each section all section members share the responsibility for teaching part of the curriculum. State-of-the-art lab facilities with dedicated technical support are integral part of the department.

Our culture 

We foster a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative working environment. We stimulate a team-oriented culture where ideas are shared, and interdisciplinary collaboration is encouraged. Our commitment to wellbeing is reflected in initiatives such as intervision groups, a Wellbeing Signal Group, professional leadership programs, and an active mentoring system.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Questions regarding the scientific content can be directed to prof.dr.ir. David Smeulders via d.m.j.smeulders@tue.nl or prof.dr.ir. Arjan Frijns via a.j.h.frijns@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact Josje van Oudenaarden, Senior Recruiter, via j.e.v.oudenaarden@tue.nl or +31 643559575.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Curious to hear more about what it is like as a professor at TU/e? Please watch the video.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application which should include:

• A cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.
• A description of your scientific interests and plans (1-2 pages).
• A statement of your teaching goals and experience (1-2 pages).

As part of the online registration of your application you will be requested to answer some questions (e.g., about your expertise).

We look forward to receiving your application before August 16, 2025.

The recruitment process will include the following sequential selection rounds:

• Online interviews with the selection committee.
• Candidates’ day on our campus including interviews and introduction program to get to know the group, the department and our university.
• Formal interview with the Recruitment Advisory Committee. We expect this to take place in December 2025/January 2026.

We look forward to your application and to potentially welcoming you to our university.