A European Research Council Consolidator Grant has been awarded to Dr. Johan Padding to work on the topic of multi-scale modelling of the hydrodynamics of gas-fluidised systems of non-spherical, granular particles. Quantitative understanding of these systems is achieved through a combination of modelling and experimentation, with an emphasis on modelling. The models range from detailed models of particle and fluid interactions, to more coarse-grained models, which use hydrodynamic force and particle stress correlations obtained from the fundamental models, for large-scale applications. These correlations are dependent on a large number of parameters.
We are seeking a data scientist who will be in charge of determining the optimal correlations by a combination of physical insight, nonlinear optimisation, and/or genetic algorithms. For this he/she will collaborate with existing members of the ERC team who can operate the fundamental models and generate the data. We welcome any new ideas that could further enhance the quality of the coarse-grained models. The position will start as soon as possible and last until April 30, 2019.

Applicants should have a PhD degree and an affinity for both data science and fluid dynamics. The ideal candidate has an education in physics, chemical engineering, or mechanical engineering, combined with a proven track record in data science. Experience with coding in C++ and large-scale operations on supercomputers will be an advantage. The candidate should be comfortable working both independently and in a team. He or she should have good written and spoken communication skills in the English language.

Fixed-term contract: Until April 30, 2019.

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.

For more information about this position, please contact Dr.ir. J.T. Padding, phone: +31 (0)15-2786605, e-mail: J.T.Padding@tudelft.nl. To apply, please e-mail a detailed CV including your interest in the position, experience, courses and grades at the Master and Bachelor levels, publications, and references to be contacted, along with a letter of application to: application-3mE@tudelft.nl. The position will be filled as soon as possible (i.e. once a suitable candidate is found).
When applying for this position, please refer to vacancy number 3ME17-33.

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.

Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

The research activities in the P&E Department are carried out on a world-class international level, ranging from fundamental to conceptual and applied research. The fundamental research is mainly on (turbulent) transport phenomena and thermodynamics, while the applied research is aimed at innovative processes, process intensification, and novel concepts in energy conversion. The research also includes valorisation of scientific knowledge and expertise, where new technology and inventions are demonstrated at scales of interest to industrial users and made commercially viable.

The IRS Group is internationally recognised as the world leader in the field of Process Intensification, due both to its research activities and its trend-setting publications, including the world’s first book in the field, recently translated into Chinese. The main objective of our research is development of fundamentally new concepts of “perfect” chemical reactors and separation systems. Intensification of chemical reactions by means of alternative energy forms (such as microwaves, electric fields, plasma, light or acoustic fields) present an important part of our research.