Postdoc Numerical Modeling of Hydrogen Phase-Change Phenomena for Aviation Applications

Join our team to model boiling hydrogen to advance cryogenic fuel system design. Enable the future of hydrogen-powered flight.

Job description

We invite applications for a postdoctoral researcher to contribute to the Coolpipe project, which aims to advance the understanding of cryogenic hydrogen flow for future aviation fuel systems. You will lead the development of numerical models to predict the phase-change of hydrogen flow along distribution lines, with a focus on boiling dynamics, flow regime transitions, and heat transfer under representative conditions. This research is critical for enabling the safe and efficient implementation of liquid hydrogen in aerospace applications, addressing key knowledge gaps in phase-change of cryogenic flows. While the core of the position is numerical modeling, collaboration and support to the experimental activities with partners at the University of Twente is encouraged.

The position is embedded in a diverse, international research team committed to scientific excellence and innovation in sustainable aviation. The project involves close collaboration with academic and industrial partners, including the University of Twente, the National Metrology Institute (VSL) and Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTHA).

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to fundamental research with direct impact on the design of next-generation hydrogen-powered systems.

Requirements

You should meet the following requirements:

• A PhD in mechanical or aerospace engineering, applied physics, applied mathematics, or a closely related field.
• Strong background in fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and numerical modelling, ideally demonstrated in the topic of your PhD research.
• Experience with phase-change phenomena, boiling heat transfer, and cryogenic flows is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to conduct independent academic research and manage related activities effectively.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken, with the ability to publish research, present findings, and engage with project partners.
• Experience with programming languages and tools commonly used in scientific computing (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or C++).
• Familiarity with CFD software such as ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, or similar platforms is a plus. 
  
  

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 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. 

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. C. Falsetti, via c.falsetti@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 10 Aug 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter

You can address your application to Dr. C. Falsetti. 

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.

Due to the summer holidays, applicants will be notified in the second half of August. The interviews will take place at the end of August/beginning of September.