This position is part of a large project recently funded by the European Union’s IPCEI program. Here, the University of Twente together with academic/research organizations and industrial partners join forces in the development of a sustainable data center.

The challenge
Motivated by the need for greater sustainability in data centers, the adoption of heat reuse has the potential to enhance organizational energy efficiency, reduce global energy consumption, and optimize services. In this context, our collaborative team aims to assist in temperature boosting of low-grade data center waste heat using an innovative process.

In this project, a novel thermochemical heat transformer will be developed and tested at the relevant operating conditions. It will be used for temperature boosting of low-grade data center waste heat using an innovative process.

The goal of this Ph.D. is to develop a lab-scale thermochemical heat transformer. To achieve this task, the development of new materials as well as the reactors needs to be undertaken. You will investigate several design concepts for this system. For this purpose, various test rigs will be developed for the testing of reactive materials. You will develop an understanding of how microstructural changes impact the output from the heat upgrade system. You will be responsible for the prototype scale demonstration of the upgrade system.

You will work with other Ph.D. students and postdocs in a team to accomplish this goal. Your first responsibility is to carry out the research and publish your work in scientific journals and proceedings. You are expected to present your work during regular project meetings. We support you to broaden your knowledge by joining international exchange programs, by participating in national and international conferences and workshops, and by visiting industrial companies and research institutes.

• We are looking for an enthusiastic, professional, and ambitious colleague.
• You are an outstanding MS graduate in the field of Chemical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, Energy Technology, or related discipline with a proven affinity to multidisciplinary assignments.
• You have a strong and demonstrable background in materials chemistry, thermodynamics, heat transfer in reactors.
• MYou have the ambition and talent to accelerate in finding solutions for complex technological issues with a multidisciplinary character.
• You have a creative mindset and excellent analytical and communication skills.
• You can work in a multidisciplinary team of researchers coming from various branches of science and industry.
• You are proficient in English.

• As a PhD student at UT, you will be appointed to a full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year. You will join a very stimulating and exciting scientific environment.
• The University offers a dynamic and stimulating environment with enthusiastic colleagues.
• Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU); You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 2.770,- in the first year and a salary of € 3.539,- in the fourth year gross per month.
• There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
• A solid pension scheme.
• A minimum of 29 holidays per year in case of full-time employment;
• You will have a training program as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision.
• We encourage a high degree of responsibility and independence while collaborating with close colleagues, researchers, and other staff.