Heat transport and transformations are important in an industrial setting for the efficient use of low temperature and waste heat, e.g. heat with temperatures lower than 90 degree Celsius. Low temperature heat is for instance available from geothermal sources and waste heat as a by-product of chemical and industrial processes. Besides the use of low temperature heat for industrial applications, domestic applications are becoming increasingly important. The use and implementation of new efficient technologies for long range transport based on evaporation and condensation of the working fluid and the use of heat-pumps for cooling/heating have a huge potential for energy savings and reducing CO2 emissions.

The new chair will focus on the development of new technologies for large scale transformation, transport, and storage of heat, including heat pump and refrigeration concepts. The main scientific challenge is to develop new concepts for heat transport, such as heat pipe concepts, latent heat storage and the transformation (upgrading) of heat from low to high temperatures. The use of non-equilibrium thermodynamics is important for calculating the entropy production. Minimizing the entropy production is required to design optimal heat transfer equipment with the highest energy efficiency. Selection of the optimal working fluid is not trivial, and new approaches (e.g. based on machine learning) may need to be developed for this. It is expected that the new chair will focus on a few of the following topics:

1. development new methods and equipment for transformation of heat to different temperature levels, e.g. new concepts for pumps/refrigeration machines
2. development method for analyzing (and consequently minimizing) the entropy production of heat transformation equipment due to irreversibilities
3. development of new and efficient heat transport technologies, for instance via phase transitions
4. development of models, simulations, and experimental facilities to enable validation of the theoretical and or numerical findings
5. application of concepts of machine learning in the design of new heat transfer equipment
6. contributions to relevant fundamental disciplines such as thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer, fluid mechanics and material science.

From the new chair it is expected that he/she plays an active role in the Bachelor and Master education within the mechanical engineering (3mE) faculty of the TU Delft. The chair will play a key role in the master program on Energy, Flow and Process technology (EFP) where courses on these topics are at the core of this master program. In addition, the chair is expected to contribute to graduate level courses and professional education in national and international networks.

Department
The professorship will be positioned in the Process & Energy (P&E) department of the faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering. The P&E department aims to enable the energy transition by educating future (mechanical) engineers and by developing novel processes and equipment for the production and consumption of synthetic fuels, chemicals and materials. We perform outstanding research in the fundamentals (thermodynamics and fluid dynamics) and in technologies (energy technology and storage, process intensification and multiphase systems). The department is investing heavily in the field of energy conversion and storage and this position is one of the key investments in boosting this field further. The candidate will make use of the existing laboratories of the P&E department, and will share the experimental infrastructure with the other groups of P&E.

The successful candidate:

1. holds a PhD degree with a background in mechanical or chemical engineering;
2. has proven experience as an independent and productive researcher, demonstrated by publications in refereed scientific journals in relevant areas
3. has proven research experience and/or demonstrable affinity with heat transformation technology such as heat pumps/refrigeration concepts
4. has a multidisciplinary research attitude and a firm track record in multidisciplinary research collaboration
5. has demonstrable experience in initiating, leading and managing research programs
6. has proven educational experience at different levels and has demonstrated to inspire undergraduate students, graduate students and professionals alike.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (salary indication: €5582-€9812 per month). 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.
Inspiring, excellent education is our central aim. We expect you to obtain a University Teaching Qualification (UTQ) within three years if you have less than five years of teaching experience. This is provided by the TU Delft UTQ programme.

TU Delft sets high standards for the English competency of the teaching staff. The TU Delft offers training to improve English competency. If you do not speak Dutch, we offer courses to learn the Dutch language.

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 Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

The Faculty of 3mE carries out pioneering research, leading to new fundamental insights and challenging applications in the field of mechanical engineering. From large-scale energy storage, medical instruments, control technology and robotics to smart materials, nanoscale structures and autonomous ships. The foundations and results of this research are reflected in outstanding, contemporary education, inspiring students and PhD candidates to become socially engaged and responsible engineers and scientists. The faculty of 3mE is a dynamic and innovative faculty with an international scope and high-tech lab facilities. Research and education focus on the design, manufacture, application and modification of products, materials, processes and mechanical devices, contributing to the development and growth of a sustainable society, as well as prosperity and welfare.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering.