Postdoc Laminar-Turbulent Transition over Smooth Wall Modifications

“Running up that Hill”: Enabling ultra-efficient wings with the Delft Laminar Hump

Job description

About the project:

The transition of airflow from laminar to turbulent state is a major contributor to aerodynamic drag and consequently aircraft emissions. Often, unavoidable modifications of the wing surface, such as panel joints or skin deformations decrease the extent of laminar airflow by promoting transition. However, through our research, we showed that this is not always the case.  In a recent breakthrough, our team discovered the “Delft Laminar Hump”, a passive smooth surface modification. The proof-of-concept experiments showed the capability of the Hump  to create an unprecedented delay of transition, effectively increasing the extent of laminar flow.

The “Running up that Hill” project aims at achieving a clear physical understanding of the interaction between laminar-turbulent transition and surface modifications such as the Delft Laminar Hump. The fundamental and technical outcomes of this work will position Hump-like surface modifications as an enabling technology for curbing environmental emissions of aviation. 

In addition to fundamental work, the project is supported by leading aerospace partners such as KLM, DNW, and Deharde as well as by world-leading groups at U. Waterloo, Canada and KTH, Sweden. Opportunities for research stays with these organisations will be available within the project.

We are seeking a motivated and skilled PostDoctoral researcher to join our team and work on this exciting project.

The expected work tasks will encompass theoretical and numerical modelling, necessary to simulate the effect of surface modifications on swept wing transition. Flow stability analysis tools available in our team can be used, including Orr-Sommerfeld solvers, linear/non-linear Parabolised Stability Equations and our non-linear Harmonic Navier-Stokes solver. An extensive validation effort will involve high-fidelity Direct Numerical Simulations, in collaboration with the group at KTH Stockholm (Prof. D. Henningson and Dr. A. Hanifi). Research stays at KTH will be covered by the project.

About the team:

We are a young, international, and diverse team of colleagues  working on topics closely related to the newly founded chair of Flow Control. We approach problems in a horizontal “team spirit” and continuously traverse boundaries between theory, simulations, and experiments towards understanding and controlling fluid flows. Our team, strives for a co-creative and stimulating environment where we can develop our skills as a scientist, team member and teacher. We place great emphasis on a collegial working environment where everyone is welcome and encouraged to shape their PhD track

We also enjoy many team-building activities and events where you can get to know your teammates in a different environment, share personal life experiences and have a great time outside of the lab!

Accessibility:

Almost 90% of our laboratory and offices are wheelchair accessible, including all wind tunnel facilities. If you have any specific concerns about accessibility, please don’t hesitate to contact us (see below for contact information).

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 doctorate (PhD degree) with focus on numerical/theoretical fluid mechanics (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 and viscous fluid flows;
• Fundamental knowledge of linear/non-linear stability analysis of transitional flows
• Strong analytical skills;
• Knowledge of physics and math;
• Affinity with data processing techniques and programming (Matlab and/or Python);

The selection process will start immediately; the intended start date is in July 2025.

TU Delft

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 2 years.
• A job of 32-40 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. 

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 Prof. Marios Kotsonis, via m.kotsonis@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 11 June 2025 via the application button and upload the following three PDF documents:

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 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 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 Prof. Marios Kotsonis.

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.