Emulsions stabilized by solid particles (also known as Pickering emulsions) exhibit remarkable stability and have found applications in advanced materials, lightweight composites, encapsulation, food and cosmetics. After the pioneering demonstration that catalytic nanoparticles can be localized at the interface of emulsion droplets (Crossley et al, Science 2010), research in Pickering emulsions for catalysis is now a rapidly expanding area. In this project you will explore the emerging application of the Flow Pickering Emulsion strategy (Zhang et al, JACS 2016) in biphasic, organic-aqueous, catalyzed reactions. You will use surface modification to control the localization of nanoparticles at organic-aqueous interfaces, and investigate novel aspects of transport phenomena in these complex, multiphase systems (Garbin, Curr Opin Coll Interf Sci 2019). Core-shell, catalytic nanoparticles will be made using Atomic Layer Deposition (van Ommen & Goulas, Materials Today Chemistry 2019) with precise control of the surface properties. You will evaluate the performance of continuous-flow reactions and link it with the microscopic properties of the particles/droplets and their dynamics, with a view to scaling up. The project is a collaboration between the group of Dr. Valeria Garbin (https://garbinlab.org), who specializes in transport phenomena, colloid and interface science, and soft matter engineering; and the group of Prof. Ruud van Ommen, who specializes in chemical reaction engineering, particle technology, and scaling-up nanotech approaches.

Department
The project is based in the Department of Chemical Engineering which is active in the fields of energy, health, water, and the environment. TU Delft’s strong reputation in the field is emphasized by its ranking in the top-10 universities worldwide in the QS World Ranking 2019 for the subject Chemical Engineering.
Chemical Engineering is one of the 7 departments in the Faculty of Applied Sciences, the largest faculty of TU Delft.

We are looking for candidates with a PhD (or near completion) in Chemical Engineering or related discipline. Candidates should:

• possess an excellent track record in their education and research;
• have a strong background in transport phenomena and reaction engineering;
• possess proven experimental skills in microfluidics, microscopy, colloid and surface chemistry, and/or reaction engineering;
• demonstrate an interest in valorization of fundamental research (e.g. scaling up);
• be pro-active for innovative solutions;
• demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with different audiences;
• have an excellent command of English (written and spoken);
• demonstrate an open mind to collaborate with other scientists and industry.

Fixed-term contract: 1 year with the prospect of extension with 1 year.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation. An International Children's Centre offers childcare and there is an international primary school.

Delft University of Technology

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. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers both in business and in a social context. TU Delft offers 16 Bachelor’s and 32 Master’s programmes to more than 23,000 students. Our scientific staff consists of 3,500 staff members and 2,800 PhD candidates. Together we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Applied Sciences

With more than 1,000 employees, including 135 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,400 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we train students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers and science communicators.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.