Postdoc Development of Isogeometric Fluid-Structure Interaction Methods for Floating Solar Panels

Passionate about high-performance computing and fluid-structure interaction? Join us in the FlexFloat project at TU Delft! We're seeking a skilled Postdoctoral Researcher to help accelerate our cutting-edge simulation tools.

Job description 

We are excited to announce an opening for a Postdoctoral Researcher as part of the NWO FlexFloat project.

In this role you will map cutting-edge isogeometric fluid  simulation code to accelerator hardware using the newest hardware agnostic coding paradigms. You will also extend the fluid simulation tool with the preCICE  API to enable fluid-structure analysis. 

The FlexFloat project addresses the mechanical behavior of floating solar panels with the goal of improving predictive capabilities during the design phase—enhancing both the technical performance and economic feasibility of these systems.

You will collaborate closely with two PhD researchers:

One focused on developing isogeometric shell formulations tailored to model the flexible and complex behavior of solar panels, including phenomena such as wrinkling. This will provide the structural model on the other side of the  preCICE interface.

The other  works on experimental methods and data acquisition. This will provide test data for validation of the fluid-structure model.

We invite you to contribute to this innovative research initiative, where your expertise will help shape the future of floating solar technology. If you are passionate about 

High-performance computing, cutting-edge computational methods in fluid dynamics we would love to hear from you!

Maritime and Transport Technology

The department Maritime and Transport Technology (MTT) is part of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (ME) at TU Delft. MTT combines expertise in ship hydromechanics, ocean engineering, and transport systems with a strong focus on sustainability and digital innovation. Research spans fundamental fluid dynamics to applied design of floating and flexible maritime structures.

As part of MTT, you will work in a multidisciplinary team of experts in computational mechanics, experimental methods, and high-performance computing. Our state-of-the-art facilities include towing tanks, wave basins, and cavitation tunnels, as well as in-house simulation tools for advanced fluid-structure interaction.

MTT offers a collaborative and international research environment, where postdocs engage with leading academics and industry partners to deliver real-world impact in offshore energy and maritime innovation. The environment is open and collaborative, promoting daily interaction and knowledge exchange. With minimal hierarchical barriers, you’ll benefit from strong mentorship and tailored training. Professional growth is a priority, ensuring your success in academia.

Job requirements 

• You hold a PhD in a topic related to scientific computing or high performance computing. 
• You have a proven academic track record, demonstrated by publications and/or scientific conferences
• You have experience in developing high-performance computer code in C++, CUDA or equivalent accelerator frameworks.
• You have a demonstrable interest in high-performance computing,  Isogeometric analysis, or fluid-structure interaction. 
• Ideally you have experience with preCICE or MFEM. 

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 

• Duration of contract is 1,5 years.
• A job of 36-40 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. 

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network. 

Additional information

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Ido Akkerman, via I.Akkerman@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 17 August 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter

You can address your application to Ido Akkerman.

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.
• A knowledge security check will be part of the selection procedure (for details page 45: national knowledge security guidelines).
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.