PhD Position Quantum Computational Fluid Dynamics

Join TU Delft's Quantum CFD team and work at the forefront of quantum CFD development.

Job description

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is expected to largely benefit from the use of quantum computers. Today's CFD tools face the challenge of large computing times and immense memory requirements. Quantum computers can possibly overcome these limitations, but CFD methodologies need to be redesign from scratch to make this happen.

The TU Delft Quantum CFD team expands and is looking for an ambitious talent to fill a 4-year PhD position. You will be working within an international multidisciplinary team at the forefront of quantum CFD development in close collaboration with our industry partner Fujitsu Limited. In particular, you will develop quantum algorithms for realizing the lattice Boltzmann method and the lattice gas automata approach on gate-based quantum computers. You will implement quantum circuits in Qiskit and evaluate them on quantum computing simulators and possibly hardware devices and perform performance analyses and resource estimations.

Our goal is to explore and understand the practical advantages that quantum CFD can potentially bring to real-world applications. If you decide to join the team, we expect you to fully dedicate to this goal and contribute to advancing the state of the art of quantum CFD.

Job requirements

We expect you to hold a master's degree in applied mathematics or another computational science discipline. Experience with implementing quantum algorithms in Qiskit or other quantum programming frameworks is appreciated.

We furthermore expect you to be fluent in English both in speaking and writing and able to communicate both in academic and industrial environment.

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 Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science 

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment. 

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science. 

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 € 2901 per month in the first year to € 3707 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
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Matthias Möller, via m.moller@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply via the application button and upload the following documents:

• A one-page motivation letter that is specific to this vacancy and addresses how your experience fits with the position.
• A detailed CV (1-3 pages) including academic qualifications and research experience.
• A writing sample (e.g., thesis, article, or research paper).
• Contact information of at least 2 references (name + e-mail)

You can address your application to Matthias Möller. The position will remain open until 14 September 2025. Selected candidates will be invited for a first round of interviews at the end of September. The preferred starting date is between mid October and December 2025.

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.