A PhD position is currently available in the Garbin lab (https://garbinlab.org) on novel methods to separate microplastic particles in complex flow fields, as part of the MicroWash project. In the MicroWash project, we will combine novel experiments and simulations to investigate the fluid mechanical principles of microfiber transport and trapping in filters, and develop new approaches of active and passive separation of the hardest-to-filter microfibers. MicroWash ultimately aims to deliver the next generation of low-cost, high-performance filters for washing machines, to cut microfiber emission at the source. Three PhD candidates working on the project will collaborate closely with each other across three research groups at TU Delft. The project offers exciting synergies with both industrial partners and non-profits.   

Our group has previously investigated acoustofluidics for manipulation of deformable particles (https://www.nature.com/articles/srep13163). In this PhD project, you will investigate the fluid dynamics of flexible fibers in complex acoustofluidics flows, and explore the potential for separation and sorting. You will join a diverse and interdisciplinary team working on microscale transport phenomena in soft and biological matter and you will have the opportunity to contribute to different ongoing projects. The Garbin lab is embedded in the Transport Phenomana section of the Department of Chemical Engineering.

The preferred start date is September 2024.

We are looking for a motivated researcher interested in fundamental research in fluid mechanics with applications to mitigating microplastic pollution. You must have an MSc in Applied Physics, Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering by the start of the project. Strong knowledge of fluid mechanics and transport phenomena is needed to make progress in the project; knowledge of soft matter physics or colloid science will also be beneficial. Experience with experimental methods in microscopy and image analysis is considered very valuable. Experience with microfluidics or acoustofluidics would be a plus. The ability to program in Python or a comparable language is required for image analysis and data processing. It is important that you have good communication skills and are open to collaboration, as the project requires coordination and synergy with other team members and external partners. An ambition to bridge fundamental research with impact on society will be highly valued

Fixed-term contract: 1.5 jaar.

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 € 2541 per month in the first year to € 3247 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 we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

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 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.

The Transport Phenomena group studies the transport of mass, momentum and heat in physical and (electro)chemical processes related to advanced materials processing, energy conversion and storage, and health. Our main interest is in transport around (solid-fluid, liquid-gas, liquid-liquid, membrane-fluid and electrically charged) interfaces, which we wish to understand, control and enhance.

We enjoy performing fundamental research to gain a deep understanding of the underlying phenomena, while at the same time we find it important to apply our knowledge to real-life applications. We use both theoretical and computational models, and non-intrusive experiments based on laser and X-ray techniques.

For more information about this vacancy, you can contact Prof. Valeria Garbin (v.garbin@tudelft.nl). Your application should be submitted via the online form.