PhD on Model-Enhanced Thermofluidic Flow Sensing for Emulsions

Introduction

Are you fascinated by the intersection of fluid mechanics, statistics and sensor technology? Join us in developing breakthrough flow sensing technologies for emulsions!

Job Description

You will be part of the INFERNO project (an overview of the project can be found here: https://gitlab.tue.nl/njaensson/flowpp-proposal), a collaborative research initiative between Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and the University of Twente (UT), aimed at revolutionizing flow sensing through model-enhanced thermofluidic sensors. These sensors will infer material properties of emulsions - such as viscosity and composition - by analyzing thermal fingerprints generated during flow.

As a PhD candidate, you will:

• Develop physics-based and machine learning models for multi-phase emulsion flows using advanced numerical techniques.
• Integrate these models into a statistical (Bayesian inference) framework to infer material properties from thermal sensor data.
• Collaborate closely with researchers at the University of Twente to design and fabricate a functioning sensor prototype.
• Validate your models through experimental data obtained from custom-built microfluidic experimental setups.

In this multidisciplinary project, you will work within the Processing and Performance of Materials group, the Energy Technology group and the Microsystems group at TU/e.

Job Requirements

• A Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, Computational Science, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering or a related field.
• Strong background in fluid mechanics, numerical modeling, and/or computational physics/mechanics.
• Experience with and enthusiasm for programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB, Julia, or C++) and numerical simulation tools.
• A research-oriented mindset: critical thinking is your second nature.
• A team player who enjoys operating in a multidisciplinary team and is fully committed to reaching the project goals.
• Motivation to develop teaching skills and supervise students.
• Proficiency in English (C1 level).

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: 

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment. 
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 2,901 max. € 3,707).  
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%. 
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process. 
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.  
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates. 

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Nick Jaensson, Assistant Professor, n.o.jaensson@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HRAdviceME@tue.nl.

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

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.