Medical radioisotopes are of paramount importance in diagnosing and treating various diseases. For this reason, a continuous, reliable and sufficient supply of such radioisotopes is required. Currently, the purification of radioisotopes consists of long, multi-step processes that contribute to a significant loss of product by natural decay.

Our innovative approach is to develop a microfluidic chip, based on liquid-liquid extraction, that significantly speeds up the purification step. Microfluidic liquid-liquid extraction has been investigated extensively for various chemical applications, but the application to a radioactive environment and to components specific to radioisotope production pose new challenges. First, radiation impacts the microfluidic chip materials and the chemical compounds required by the extraction step. Second, the transport of species, the related (radio)chemistry and the dynamical behaviour of the interface between both liquids in such a microfluidic system are not known yet. Third, it is unknown how to integrate such a system in a cyclotron or nuclear reactor.

We are looking for two candidate PhD-students who will investigate and develop such an innovative system. These PhD students will work in their own discipline and will act as a team at the same time, because all those disciplines are required to develop this technology.

PhD 1: A theoretical and numerical study to optimize isotope purification on microfluidic chips and the coupling to online irradiations facilities. Keywords: micro fluid dynamics, physical transport phenomena, liquid-liquid extraction, radiation transport (neutrons, gammas, …), lattice Boltzmann methods for fluid mechanics and radiation (Monte-Carlo)

PhD 2: Experimental study to develop chemical purification methods for medical radioisotopes in microfluidic chips and integrate the developed setup in a cyclotron. Keywords: radiometals, microfluidic liquid-liquid extraction,  nuclear chemistry, inorganic and coordination chemistry, cyclotron production

This project is funded by NWO TTW and supported by NRG, URENCO, TRIUMF and UMCG.

We are looking for enthusiastic PhD students who

• have an MSc in a relevant field, such as chem. engineering, mech. engineering, (applied) physics, phys. chemistry, inorganic or coordination chemistry, materials science, fluid mechanics, nuclear chemistry;
• combine creativity with a sound academic attitude;
• have - depending of the position - excellent experimental, modelling, and/or simulation skills;
• have excellent communication skills in English, both in writing and speaking;
• are good team-players and able to work in a collaborative environment with the other two PhD students and supporting organisations.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit www.tudelft.nl/phd for more information

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

https://www.tudelft.nl

Faculty Applied Sciences

The Faculty of Applied Sciences is the largest faculty of TU Delft, with around 550 scientists, a support staff of 250 and 1,800 students. The faculty conducts fundamental, application-oriented research and offers scientific education at the bachelor, master and doctoral levels. The faculty is active in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Applied Physics.

The department of Radiation Science and Technology (www.rst.tudelft.nl) focuses on research and education in materials, energy and health with radiation as the common denominator. Fields of interest are medical radioisotopes, materials for energy storage, technologies for diagnosis and treatment of diseases, advanced instrument development and sustainable nuclear energy.

The department of Chemical Engineering (www.cheme.tudelft.nl) aims to generate knowledge and educate people in the area of nano chemical engineering to improve the quality of life for a sustainable society, focusing on energy, water, health and environment. The group of Product and Process Engineering views chemical engineering as an expanding field full of opportunities to create devices, processes and products.   

https://www.tudelft.nl/en/faculty-of-applied-sciences