Dense emulsions are gaining interest for food applications e.g. for fat replacement and delivery systems for bioactive components. The microstructure of the emulsion consists of compressed droplets, ranging from slightly deformed to highly deformed polyhedral droplets. Due to the close packing of the droplets, the concentrated emulsions have high viscosities which makes them suitable candidates for e.g. 3D printing of novel food structures. However, their flow during downstream processing is complex due to droplet rearrangements and droplet deformations. The flow behaviour of the jammed emulsion droplets can only be described if the droplet deformability and inter-droplet interactions are understood. Carefully controlled experiments on various length scales (interface characterisation up to macroscopic characterisations) will be performed as well as mathematical modelling of the involved forces.

In this PhD project, you will investigate the macroscopic properties of concentrated emulsions including droplet rearrangements under flow dependent on the droplets interfacial properties. Correlations will be established between interfacial phenomena, bulk rheology, and emulsion stability to gain deeper insights into the underlying mechanisms. Ultimately, you will use your insights as input for mathematical models describing the flow of concentrated emulsions and their macroscopic rheological properties

As a PhD candidate you conduct original scientific research (mainly experimental), report on this research in international publications and presentations, and present the results of your research in a PhD thesis within 4 years. You will have the opportunity to coach BSc and MSc students and supervise their thesis projects. As a PhD candidate, you will receive the training you need, to develop yourself in multiple areas.

We seek a self-motivated, curiosity-driven researcher with a passion for doing research. We strongly encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.

• The successful candidate holds an MSc degree in mechanical engineering, applied physics, chemical engineering or a similar degree.
• Demonstrated proficiency in experimental work and interest in the work is essential. Basic knowledge of mathematical modelling is a plus.
• Furthermore, you have excellent communication skills in English, both written and oral. Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2770 per month in the first year to € 3539 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. 

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

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 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 Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the 3mE faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

3mE is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in 3mE’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.