Engineering Doctorate (EngD), Sustainable Wind Powered Desalination for Drinking Water Production

Job description

At the forefront of tackling two of the most pressing global challenges—water scarcity and the transition to renewable energy—DOT, Delft Offshore Turbine, is driving innovative, sustainable solutions. With the rapid expansion of offshore wind farms, there is a critical need for alternatives to traditional electrical carriers. Combining Seawater Reverse Osmosis (SWRO), i.e. desalination, with wind energy is one of the solutions, significantly reducing the CO2 footprint of conventional desalination processes while providing fresh (drinking) water. DOT has pioneered a unique pump technology that enables wind turbines to directly pressurize water, eliminating the intermediate step of electricity generation. This pressurized water is then utilized to power SWRO installations for desalination. However, a key technical challenge remains: managing the variability of wind power while ensuring a reliable supply of fresh (drinking) water.

The EngD candidate will work closely with DOT and will design, implement, and test innovative solutions that address wind variability while procucing a constant flow of fresh water at the right pressures for water transport. The role also involves conducting risk assessments, asset management planning, and techno-economic evaluations to assess the feasibility of the proposed solutions.

The candidate will combine theoretical knowledge, supported by the educational programme of the EngD, with professional experience and apply it to pilot installations inside and outside the Netherlands. Alongside scientific research, the candidate will collaborate with partners to identify operational needs and implement prototypes of the developed solutions. Regular site visits to partner locations will be part of the project.

Job requirements 

Need-to-haves:

• MSc in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering and related areas
• Experience with water quality, and/or water treatment/desalination technologies
• Independent, self-motivated, curiosity-driven mind, open to communicate and collaborate with peers and partners
• A scientific attitude and analytical skills combined with a hands-on mentality
• Excellent spoken and written English*

Nice-to-haves:

• Laboratory/pilot plant experience, proven by previous studies and/or work
• Knowledge of the European context
• Proficiency in the Dutch language

*If your mother language is not English and you do not hold a degree from an institution in which English is the language of instruction, you must submit proof of English proficiency from either TOEFL (minimum total score of 100) or IELTS (minimum total score of 7.0). Proof of English language proficiency certificates older than two years are not accepted.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology) 

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. 

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration. 

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences 

The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Our research feeds into our educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource availability, urbanisation and clean water. Our research projects are conducted in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced of the importance of open science and supports its scientists in integrating open science in their research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in the following seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management. 

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences.