Assistant Professor In Experiments of Energy Concepts

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 'energy concepts' in the heart of the high-tech region of the Netherlands! The Power and Flow section of the Mechanical Engineering department at Eindhoven University of Technology is looking for 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 Power & Flow section 

Many industrial activities involve multiphase and reactive flows finding applications in e.g., energy storage and conversion, automotive, food and chemical industry, and power plants. The Power & Flow (P&F) section, headed by Prof. Deen, contributes by developing and improving power and flow equipment through fundamental and applied research, revealing the underlying physical mechanisms, in particular multi-component and phase-transitional flows, multiphase flows, turbulence, reaction kinetics, combustion, and combinations thereof. The section has many international research collaborations, both in academia and with industry, and it creates impact through patents and spin-off companies.

Research in the P&F section includes all scientific approaches, i.e., experimental, analytical, and computational techniques. Applications are described above and design issues may be related to all these topics. Both large-scale equipment and microfluidic devices are considered. Experimental techniques are applied to various length and time scales, and one of the focal points of the group is the development of measuring strategies to reveal the physical phenomena underlying the multi-scale phenomena. Another focal point is the development and application of numerical methods for multiphase and reactive flows to facilitate and complement analysis and interpretation of measurements. Strong ties with major industries related to process and combustion technology facilitate the identification of new research themes where the group can play a pioneering role.

The section currently comprises sixteen full-time and five part-time Professors, and over forty PhD candidates and postdocs.

Given the multidisciplinary nature of our research there are clear potential ties with neighbouring sections such as the Energy Technology section as well as with researchers of the Eindhoven Institute for Renewable Energy Systems (EIRES) and the Eindhoven Artificial Intelligence Systems Institute (EAISI).

The Future Energy lab is a joint laboratory and shared with the Energy Technology section with state-of-the-art measurement techniques, such as LIF, PIV, high-speed cameras, and with specialized experimental facilities, such as an optically accessible H2/dual-fuel engine. 

The Position 

Research themes of the candidate 

The candidate is expected to contribute to the mission of the P&F section to provide education and to perform world-class scientific research on multiphase and reactive flows in the area of energy conversion and process technology. The knowledge chain within the P&F section consists of:

1. Fundamental models based on first principles.
2. Experimental validation of these models using sophisticated (laser diagnostic) measurement systems.
3. Application and lab-scale demonstration of (reactive) multiphase contact equipment.
4. Predictive tools for practical and industrial applications, derived from the fundamental models based on first principles and experiment.

The section has identified strategic opportunities to hire candidates with an expertise in either experimental validation (theme 2) and/or application and lab-scale demonstration of energy storage concepts (theme 3). We particularly welcome applications in the area of power-to-X systems, fuel cells, electrolyzers and/or batteries.

Responsibilities 

• You will develop internationally leading research, and 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  

• PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering or in a related domain.
• Expertise and proven experience in experimental validation and/or application and lab-scale demonstration of energy storage concepts.
• Background in power-to-X systems, fuel cells, electrolyzers and/or batteries.
• 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 of Mechanical Engineering is organized in eight large sections, each comprising approximately ten Assistant, Associate, or Full Professors. All are considered as Principal Investigator (PI) according to our ‘everybody Professor’ vision. Each PI has the academic freedom to define and develop their own research profile. At the same time, collaboration lies at the heart of our culture; PIs actively engage with one another both within and across the sections. Within each section PIs share responsibility for shaping and delivering part of the curriculum, as well as access to state-of-the-art lab facilities and dedicated technical support.  

The PIs and support staff across the department meet regularly to exchange ideas and present latest developments in Education, Research and Innovation/Valorization. These events are highly valued by our scientific staff and contribute to the strong sense of community and team spirit that defines our department. 

Our culture 

We foster a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative working environment where everyone feels valued and respected. We stimulate a team-oriented culture in which ideas are openly shared and interdisciplinary collaboration is encouraged. Challenges are met with a proactive, can-do attitude, and we prioritize mutual support and personal growth. 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. Niels Deen via n.g.deen@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 potentially welcoming you to our university.