PhD Position Experimental Studies of Supercritical Fluid Turbulence

Join our team at TU Delft to investigate turbulent stratified flows through cutting-edge optical experiments and help uncover new physics in complex fluid systems.

Job description

Stratified flows, where fluid density and viscosity vary strongly, are common in both natural and industrial systems—ranging from ocean currents to advanced heat exchangers. However, conventional models like the Boussinesq approximation fail to capture the complex physics in such flows when strong stratification or non-ideal fluids are involved.

This PhD project aims to advance our understanding of turbulence in stratified shear flows by studying a supercritical CO2 flow, differentially heated in a channel, using high-resolution optical experiments. You will design and conduct measurements with advanced techniques such as particle image velocimetry (PIV) and background-oriented Schlieren (BOS) to capture flow behavior in regimes that were previously inaccessible.

Key tasks include:

• Implementing and validating optical measurement techniques (PIV and BOS) in a high-pressure, optically accessible flow loop.

• Performing precise flow measurements under varying temperature and pressure conditions to generate strong stratification.

• Investigating the transition from laminar to turbulent flow, including the identification of flow structures such as turbulent spots and instability waves.

• Developing correction strategies for refractive index effects and tracer particle behavior due to strong density gradients.

• Collaborating with a numerical PhD researcher to compare experimental results with linear stability theory and direct numerical simulations.

The work is embedded in a broader project combining theory, simulations, and experiments. While the experimental setup uses supercritical CO2 to access extreme stratification, the insights gained will have broad implications for the understanding and control of stratified shear flows in various engineering and environmental applications.

Job requirements

We are looking for a motivated and curious candidate with:

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in mechanical engineering, applied physics, aerospace engineering, or a related field.

• A strong background in fluid mechanics and experimental methods.

• Hands-on experience with optical diagnostics such as particle image velocimetry (PIV), Schlieren techniques, or similar laser-based measurement methods is a strong plus.

• Affinity for working with complex lab setups, instrumentation, and high-pressure systems.

• The ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.

• Good command of English, both written and spoken.

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 

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met. 

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 per month in the first year to €3881 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. 

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.  

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 Prof. Dr. Rene Pecnik (r.pecnik@tudelft.nl) or Prof. Dr. Jerry Westerweel (J.Westerweel@tudelft.nl).

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 15 September 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter

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. 
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.