Postdoc Multi-Fuel Combustion Experiments (H2, NH3, Kerosene)

Join us in powering the future of sustainable energy! We're seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to lead cutting-edge experiments in multi-fuel combustion, exploring hydrogen, ammonia, and kerosene.

Job description

We are seeking a talented and motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to work on the development and experimental investigation of multi-fuel combustion concepts, focusing on hydrogen blends with ammonia and kerosene. Multi-fuel combustion is a critical stepping stone toward a hydrogen economy, offering flexibility for land-based power systems and aviation applications during the transition to zero-emission energy solutions.

Project Description

This role involves the design and development of novel experimental setups for testing hydrogen blends with ammonia or kerosene. Using these setups, the researcher will conduct advanced laser diagnostics to investigate combustion stability and pollutant formation. A strong emphasis will be placed on uncertainty quantification of experimental results. This research aims to provide insights essential for designing cleaner, more efficient power and propulsion systems.

The position is part of a European collaborative project, providing opportunities to work closely with leading academic and industrial partners. The researcher will actively engage with project partners, exchange knowledge, and provide experimental data to support and validate combustion models developed by collaborators

Key Responsibilities

• Experimental Investigation:
  Design, develop, and operate novel experimental setups for multi-fuel combustion testing. Conduct advanced laser diagnostics to investigate combustion stability, pollutant formation, and the effects of fuel blending (e.g., hydrogen with ammonia or kerosene). Optimize experimental conditions to explore operational limits and identify performance; improvements.
• Data Analysis:
  Analyze experimental data to extract meaningful insights into combustion dynamics, pollutant pathways, and stability behavior. Emphasize uncertainty quantification to ensure robust conclusions and provide reliable data for validation of combustion models.
• Research Collaboration:
  Actively collaborate with academic and industrial partners within the framework of a European project. Share experimental findings, exchange knowledge, and contribute to discussions on model validation and system integration. Maintain clear and effective communication with project partners to ensure alignment of objectives and deliverables.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research at the forefront of sustainable energy and aviation innovation.

Requirements 

To be considered for this position, you should have: 

• PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field, with a strong focus on experimental reacting flows. 
• In-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in designing and conducting experiments in reacting flows. 
• Expertise in laser-based diagnostics techniques for analyzing reacting flows.
• Experience with experimental validation techniques and advanced data analysis. 
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. 
• A proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team. 

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in collaborative research projects, particularly within European frameworks.  

Additional Requirements:

Working at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a professional level to ensure effective communication and collaboration within the team and with project partners.

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 3 years.
• A job of 38-40 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 Dr Francesca De Domenico, via f.dedomenico@tudelft.nl or Prof. Arvind Gangoli Rao (a.gangolirao@tudelft.nl).

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 31 Jan 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter
• Publication list

You can address your application to Dr Francesca De Domenico.

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.