Postdoc Aerothermodynamic R&D Related to Heat-Exchanger Aerodynamics of Future Aircraft

Are you passionate about developing the sustainable aircraft technogies? Apply for an R&D position that focuses on the aerothermodynamic design of heat-exchanger solutions for fuel-cell powertrains.

Job description 

The aviation industry stands at the forefront of its highly-needed transition to sustainable operation. To achieve this, the aviation sector focusus on research and development (R&D) of new technologies that aid towards climinate neutral aviation. Within the Netherlands, the National Growth Fund project `Aviation in Transition’ created an incubator for the development of novel technologies, with the involvement of industry, research institutes, and universities. This particular vacancy is funded through this large project (sub-project HAPSS: Hydrogen Aircraft Powertrain and Storage Systems), and is concerned with the core aerodynamics of thermal management systems.

Thermal management systems (TMS) continue to form a design bottleneck for fuel-dell driven aircraft. Enhancing heat transfer capabilities from established technologies, so that the TMS systems do not come with large aerodynamic penalties, requires further R&D and is critical for the viability of the proposed powertrain solutions. For regional aircraft, it is not uncommon for fuel-cell systems to produce in the order of 2MW of heat per engine (particularly during take-off and top-of-climb). The waste heat comprises low temperatures, which makes energy-recovery challenging. In addition, in the critical phase of maximum required cooling power, the aircraft does not operate at its cruise velocity and can still be surrounded by relatively warm atmopsheric conditions.

In ongoing activities at TUD we work on enhancing the aeothermodynamic performance of thermal management systems. In particular, our efforts are related to the heat exchanger, which can be ducted or skin-embedded, or a combination thereoff. In this context, we are looking for a highly skilled and motivated candidate who works on several aspects of heat exchanger aerodynamics:

• Low-fidelity aerodynamic models are to be developed to allow for sizing studies, for aerodynamic optimization, and for system trade-offs to-be-performed. This branch of work will contribute to feasible solutions for profitable medium-range aircraft.
• In addition, fundamental innovations are required in forced thermal convection with high Reynolds number flows, relevant to both ducted and skin-embedded heat exchanger concepts. Experimental rigs are to be developed within the Flow Physics & Technology laboratories, to investigate heat transfer performance, aerodynamic penalties, and heat transfer performance of novel surface-technologies.

(Note that you can lead the project on the TU Delft side, with ample opportunities to steer the project).

In your position, you will work closely with a young and energetic team which offers a stimulating and inclusive working environment for developing your research & academic skillset. In addition, given the multi-disciplinary nature of aerothermodynamic research, your undertakings will contribute to other projects on different themes related to non-adiabatic flows. We are looking for candidates at the post-doctoral level (PhD finished), and/or candidates who are interested in a position as research engineer (MSc education finished).

Job requirements

We will consider applications based on the following skillsets. If you do not fullfil all requirements, please still apply (there is room for learning-on-the-job).

•  A M.Sc. degree with a focus in fluid mechanics and heat transfer (e.g., aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or applied physics);
• An aptitude for working in a team and excellent communication skills in spoken and written English;
• Fundamental knowledge of fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and viscous fluid flows;
• Strong analytical skills; knowledge of physics, math and mechanical design is an asset;
• Strong affinity with (and background in) modelling of (non-adiabatic) fluid flows and optimization of low-fidelity models for aero-thermal systems;
• Strong affinity with (and background in) design of experiments and experimental techniques;
• Affinity with data processing techniques and programming (Matlab and/or Python);
• Hands on with lab-work, skilled in experimental design and hardware construction;
• Creativity, assertive attitude, and perseverance

The selection process will start immediately; the intended start date is in the Spring of 2025 but is subject to discussion.

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 Aerospace Engineering 

The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is one of the world’s most highly ranked (and most comprehensive) research, education and innovation communities devoted entirely to aerospace engineering. More than 200 science staff, around 270 PhD candidates and close to 3000 BSc and MSc students apply aerospace engineering disciplines to address the global societal challenges that threaten us today, climate change without doubt being the most important. Our focal subjects: sustainable aerospace, big data and artificial intelligence, bio-inspired engineering and smart instruments and systems. Working at the faculty means working together. With partners in other faculties, knowledge institutes, governments and industry, both aerospace and non-aerospace. Working in field labs and innovation hubs on our university campus and beyond. 

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering. 

Conditions of employment 

• Duration of contract is 18 months.
• A job of 32-38 hours per week. 
   

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. 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 Dr. ir. Woutijn J. Baars, via w.j.baars@tudelft.nl

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 8 April 2025 via the application button and upload the following 3 pdf-files: 

Pdf 1 must include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Motivation letter (max 1 page)

Pdf 2 must include:

• Contact information of two references (if desired, support letters can be attached, but they are not needed at this phase of the recruitment).
• Full transcripts of M.Sc. degree and/or PhD degree in English. In case the transcripts are in another language, please include a translation (certified translation is not needed).

Pdf 3 must include:

• A sample of your scientific research output. This can be (part of) your MSc/PhD dissertation, or a research paper, in which you demonstrate the quality of your research.

Your motivation letter should include, at least, the following:

• Examples of projects and achievements that demonstrate your relevant competences;
• Your motivation for applying to this R&D position;
• Your motivation for working in an academic environment.

After the first selection process, video interviews will be arranged.You can address your application to Dr. ir. Woutijn J. Baars.

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.