PhD Position Design of Plant-Based Dairy Alternatives Using Molecular Modeling

Are you eager to perform cutting-edge molecular modeling to design plant-based dairy alterantives? Then, this position is for you.

Job description

You will join a unique project which aims to develop the next generation of plant-based dairy alternatives. You will be embeded in the Process & Energy department of the Mechanical Engineering Faculty in TU Delft, and work together with researchers from WUR, and industrial stakeholders. Developing dairy alternatives is challenging since food structures and textures must be created from plant-based ingredients that provide the same mouthfeel as dairy foods. To this purpose, the HARMONY project, funded by NWO, proposes a novel approach combining experimental and simulation approaches to obtain physicochemical and sensory properties of new compounds that mimic dairy foods.This approach is expected to revolutionize the field.

Job requirements 

The ideal candidate:

• Has an MSc in Mechanical, Chemical, Materials Eng., Physics, Chemistry or similar discipline. 
• Has a strong knoweledge in core disciplines, i.e., mathematics, physics, chemistry, thermodynamics.
• Has experience with scientific computing and proven knowledge of programming demonstrated by prior research or personal projects.
• Enjoys working in a team comprising other students (MSc or PhD) and senior researchers, and stakeholders.
• Has excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Has a positive attitude.
• Is able to work independently.

Prior experience with molecular simulation, ab-initio, or macroscale modeling is not strictly necessary, nevertheless, will be considered a strong plus.

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 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. 

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

Conditions of employment

Fixed-term contract: 48 months.

We offer you, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:

• A salary of € 2,770 (salary scale PhD candidates) gross per month in the first year, up to a maximum of € 3,539 gross per month in the fourth and final year, based on a full-time position.
• A holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income an 8.3% year-end bonus.
• A temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for another three years; prolongation of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year to indicate that you will successfully complete your PhD thesis within the next three years. A PhD training programme is part of the agreement.

The position is immediately available.

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.  

Additional information

For more information about this vacancy, please contact the PI o.moultos@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 21 November 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

•  your CV.
• A cover letter of max 1 page.
• A list of your BSc and MSc grades (official/stamped document would be appreciated). 

Compile all documents in a single PDF. Applications missing one or more of the requested documents, or that do not comply with the application procedure described will not be considered.   

You can address your application to Othon Moultos.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements. 

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We 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 be informed. 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 about knowledge security.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.