PhD Position MRI Flow Measurements in Inertial Dense Suspensions

Curious about how dense particle flows defy the usual rules of laminar and turbulent motion? Join our ERC project and use MRI to uncover these flows.

Job description

Inertial Dense Suspensions (IDeS) are common in nature and industry, with examples ranging from blood flow and recycling to waste slurry transport, additive manufacturing, and energy storage solutions. Despite their practical importance, these flows remain poorly understood. As a result, even the most basic properties cannot be predicted reliably. For instance, the best available models over- or underestimate the measured pressure drop in a suspension pipe flow by 30–40% across different flow rates. This makes designing and controlling these flows difficult. The difficulty arises partly because these flows do not fit the conventional ‘laminar’ versus ‘turbulent’ classification; they inhabit a terra incognita. Most theoretical studies so far have focused on confined suspensions in the viscous regime, but this idealized approach is insufficient for practical applications. Finite particle size and velocity introduce complex inertial phenomena, such as particle-induced fluctuations, a gradual transition to turbulence, and shear-induced migration. These effects are at best only qualitatively understood, yet they profoundly alter the flow behavior. Understanding and accurately modelling these flows will enable more energy-efficient transport of industrial slurries, improve our understanding of blood flow, and support the development of sustainable manufacturing processes.

This PhD position is part of the ERC Advanced Grant project IDeS and you will join a team investigating densely-laden pipe flows. In the project, you will use Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Velocimetry to provide insight into the velocity and concentration profiles. This technique provides a major advantage, as it can measure in opaque suspensions. Your data will supplement the data obtained by other team members (who use complementary flow measurement techniques) and we will jointly formulate theoretical models to predict the flows. A dedicated MRI facility is available. No prior experience with MRI is required, but a willingness to push the boundaries of velocimetry is essential. An example is the extension to turbulence statistics, rather than just mean velocity profiles.

You will join the Process & Energy (P&E) department at TU Delft’s Mechanical Engineering faculty, working in a lab equipped with a wide range of flow facilities and advanced measurement modalities, including MRI and ultrasound systems dedicated to multiphase research. The positions include conducting experimental research, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, presenting at conferences, and mentoring BSc and MSc students. Additionally, you will have opportunities for professional development through both technical and non-technical courses.

Job requirements

We are looking for a self-motivated, critical, and creative candidate with:

• An MSc degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace or Chemical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field.
• A strong foundation in (multiphase) fluid dynamics.
• Proven experience with experimental work and a drive to explore and improve state-of-the-art techniques. 
• Image/data processing skills in Python or Matlab.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.

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.

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 €3204 - €4051 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.  

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 specific position, the research project or the application procedure, please contact Prof. C. Poelma (C.Poelma@tudelft.nl).

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 11 October 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• Curriculum vitae
• Motivation letter highlighting your relevant research skills and motivation for doing this PhD project
• Diplomas and transcripts of your BSc. and MSc. studies, including a certified list of grades

You can address your application to Prof. C. Poelma.

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.
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