Two PhD positions are available in the "Active Biological Fluids" project, funded by an ERC starting grant. The goal of this work is to investigate the origins of spontaneous collective motion arising within and between motile microorganisms in order to trigger, actuate, and control biofluids. The successful candidates will develop new experimental approaches to reproduce synthetically the mechanical signatures of physiological flows and dynamically interact with microorganisms. This methodology will be used in order to investigate: (1) the motile response of bacteria or ciliated cells to controlled flows and (2) how cell motility influences and generates fluid flow in active suspensions. This study will be made possible with the use of recently developed experimental tools such as μ-Tomographic Particle Tracking Velocimetry (μ-Tomo PTV) and optical tweezers. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. We hope to fill the position as soon as possible.

Applicants should have
• an excellent university Master’s degree in Applied Physics, Mechanical or Aeronautical Engineering or a related field;
• strong background in continuum mechanics, experimental flow measurement techniques, or numerical methods and computer science;
• high motivation to work on multidisciplinary research at the crossroads of fluid mechanics, physics, biology, and engineering;
• independent, curiosity-driven work attitude;
• excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken).

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

The 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. The 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 graduateschool.tudelft.nl/ for more information.

For more information about this position, please contact Dr. D.S.W. Tam, phone: +31 (0)15-2782991, e-mail: d.s.w.tam@tudelft.nl. To apply, please e-mail a detailed curriculum vitae, a list of three academic references and full academic transcripts for your BSc and MSc, along with a letter of application by 1 May 2018 to Caroline Legierse, c.legierse@tudelft.nl. Applications will be reviewed as they are received as we hope to fill the position as soon as possible.
When applying for this position, please refer to vacancy number 3ME18-05.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology (the 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. The TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At the TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. The TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

http://www.tudelft.nl

Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

The 3mE Faculty trains committed engineering students, PhD candidates and post-doctoral researchers in groundbreaking scientific research in the fields of mechanical, maritime and materials engineering. 3mE is the epitome of a dynamic, innovative faculty, with a European scope that contributes demonstrable economic and social benefits.

The Laboratory for Aero- and Hydrodynamics is a dynamic, highly multidisciplinary research laboratory that performs world-class research on the topics of turbulence, multiphase flow, microfluidics and biological flows. The research is carried out at a fundamental level using modern experimental and numerical methods.

https://www.tudelft.nl/en/3me