PhD Position Solvothermal Liquefaction of Waste to Biomaterials

Job description
We have a new PhD vacancy in our group on solvothermal liquefaction (STL) of waste to biomaterials. This PhD position is part of the newly funded national NWA-ORC project, Ab-initio Biowaste Loop (ABEL), which is funded by NWO (Dutch Research Council). See: https://www.tudelft.nl/en/2025/me/news/new-consortium-aims-to-turn-waste-into-high-value-biomaterials.

To close material loops in the Dutch bioeconomy, ABEL brings together a large multidisciplinary consortium from industry, academia, policymakers, and societal partners to tackle one of the most pressing challenges of our time: making high-value, sustainable, and circular biomaterials from low-value waste streams that can compete and even outperform traditional alternatives.

As a PhD student within the ABEL consortium at TU Delft, you will:

• Experimentally study the feasibility of a novel STL technology that is less complex and uses less energy than current ones, using a new generation of solvents and catalysts, to upcycle low-grade waste into biomaterials for many sectors of the Dutch economy. This project targets applications across agriculture, asphalt paving, aviation, construction and the built environment. Furthermore, we will incorporate the experimental data from this project into conceptual process designs that utilize advanced process simulation models to evaluate the potential of solvent-based thermochemical processing for large-scale applications.
• Publish high-quality scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals and contribute to project reports in collaboration with the project supervisor and others.
• Participate in consortium meetings, workshops, and stakeholder events, and actively contribute to knowledge exchange and impact activities.
• Support the supervision of students where relevant and contribute to the academic life of the department.

This PhD position is a unique opportunity to help reshaping and defossilizing supply chains, material innovation, and explore how the value of biomaterials is defined and perceived across industry, society, policymakers and regulators.

Job requirements
You are strong in advanced chemical and process engineering research and enjoy hands-on experimental work. You are eager to grow your expertise and enjoy engaging with and supporting students. You need to have:

• A Masters degree in Chemical engineering, Chemistry or related field.
• Experience with material characterization techniques, e.g., elemental analysis, bomb calorimetry and gas chromatography (GC-MS).
• Familiarity with Chemical engineering and Chemistry based experimental work is considered an advantage.
• Demonstrated interest or experience in sustainability transitions, circular economy, waste management.
• A critical attitude towards results is expected, which translates into formulating new research questions.
• Ability to function both in a team and independently.
• Good communication skills. Fluent in English, both spoken and written.

TU Delft (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 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 ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

ME 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 ME’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 Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

Postdoc Venus Surface- and Atmosphere Geochemistry

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to investigate the coupled evolution of Venus’s surface and atmosphere. The project focuses on understanding the chemical, physical, and dynamical processes occurring in the lower Venusian atmosphere and at the interface between the atmosphere and the rocky surface. The research will combine experimental laboratory work under extreme pressure–temperature conditions with planetary atmospheric science and geochemistry.

The successful candidate will design and conduct high-pressure, high-temperature experiments to simulate Venus-like conditions, analyse experimental products using advanced analytical techniques, and integrate results with atmospheric and geochemical models. Experiments will be conducted in the newly built Delft High-Pressure/Temperature Laboratory for Planetary Materials, part of Delft Planetary Labs (DPL), offering access to state-of-the-art facilities designed to reproduce extreme planetary environments.

The work will contribute to improving our understanding of planetary evolution, surface–atmosphere interactions, and extreme greenhouse climates relevant to both Solar System planets and rocky exoplanets.

The project is closely connected to future Venus exploration efforts, including missions led by NASA. The results are expected to help maximise the scientific return of upcoming missions and support the long-term development of an integrated Venus simulation facility spanning atmosphere to interior.

The postdoctoral researcher will work in an interdisciplinary environment, collaborating with experts in planetary science, geochemistry, materials science, and atmospheric dynamics. The position also offers opportunities to contribute to mission science preparation, publish in leading journals, and present results at international conferences.

• Design and perform laboratory experiments under Venus-like conditions
• Analyse experimental and modelling data related to surface–atmosphere processes
• Contribute to planetary atmosphere and geochemical modelling efforts
• Publish research findings and present at scientific conferences
• Collaborate with international mission and research teams

Job requirements

• PhD in planetary science, geochemistry, geophysics, atmospheric science, or related field
• Experience with experimental petrology, high-pressure experiments, or planetary atmospheres
• Strong data analysis and scientific communication skills
• Ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams     

TU Delft
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 Aerospace Engineering
The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is a leading international community where innovation in aerospace meets global challenges. Our support and scientific staff, including PhD candidates, postdocs, and students, largely work together on three main themes: the energy transition, sustainable aerospace, and safety and security, with the aim of tackling climate change and contributing to the independence and security of Europe.

When you join us, you become part of a diverse, collaborative, and forward-thinking environment where your ideas and perspectives are valued. Our work extends beyond the lab—into field labs, innovation hubs, and partnerships with other faculties, research institutes, governments, and industry, both locally and globally.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming workplace, assisted by an active Diversity & Inclusion team. This includes tangible support such as funding for extra personnel for family and caregiving responsibilities, mentoring programmes, and initiatives that promote cultural exchange and integration.

You don’t just join our faculty — you join a community where you can thrive, grow, and help shape the future of aerospace.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering.

PhD Position Solvothermal Liquefaction of Waste to Biomaterials

Job description
We have a new PhD vacancy in our group on solvothermal liquefaction (STL) of waste to biomaterials. This PhD position is part of the newly funded national NWA-ORC project, Ab-initio Biowaste Loop (ABEL), which is funded by NWO (Dutch Research Council). See: https://www.tudelft.nl/en/2025/me/news/new-consortium-aims-to-turn-waste-into-high-value-biomaterials.

To close material loops in the Dutch bioeconomy, ABEL brings together a large multidisciplinary consortium from industry, academia, policymakers, and societal partners to tackle one of the most pressing challenges of our time: making high-value, sustainable, and circular biomaterials from low-value waste streams that can compete and even outperform traditional alternatives.

As a PhD student within the ABEL consortium at TU Delft, you will:

• Experimentally study the feasibility of a novel STL technology that is less complex and uses less energy than current ones, using a new generation of solvents and catalysts, to upcycle low-grade waste into biomaterials for many sectors of the Dutch economy. This project targets applications across agriculture, asphalt paving, aviation, construction and the built environment. Furthermore, we will incorporate the experimental data from this project into conceptual process designs that utilize advanced process simulation models to evaluate the potential of solvent-based thermochemical processing for large-scale applications.
• Publish high-quality scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals and contribute to project reports in collaboration with the project supervisor and others.
• Participate in consortium meetings, workshops, and stakeholder events, and actively contribute to knowledge exchange and impact activities.
• Support the supervision of students where relevant and contribute to the academic life of the department.

This PhD position is a unique opportunity to help reshaping and defossilizing supply chains, material innovation, and explore how the value of biomaterials is defined and perceived across industry, society, policymakers and regulators.

Job requirements
You are strong in advanced chemical and process engineering research and enjoy hands-on experimental work. You are eager to grow your expertise and enjoy engaging with and supporting students. You need to have:

• A Masters degree in Chemical engineering, Chemistry or related field.
• Experience with material characterization techniques, e.g., elemental analysis, bomb calorimetry and gas chromatography (GC-MS).
• Familiarity with Chemical engineering and Chemistry based experimental work is considered an advantage.
• Demonstrated interest or experience in sustainability transitions, circular economy, waste management.
• A critical attitude towards results is expected, which translates into formulating new research questions.
• Ability to function both in a team and independently.
• Good communication skills. Fluent in English, both spoken and written.

TU Delft (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 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 ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

ME 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 ME’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 Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

Postdoc Venus Surface- and Atmosphere Geochemistry

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to investigate the coupled evolution of Venus’s surface and atmosphere. The project focuses on understanding the chemical, physical, and dynamical processes occurring in the lower Venusian atmosphere and at the interface between the atmosphere and the rocky surface. The research will combine experimental laboratory work under extreme pressure–temperature conditions with planetary atmospheric science and geochemistry.

The successful candidate will design and conduct high-pressure, high-temperature experiments to simulate Venus-like conditions, analyse experimental products using advanced analytical techniques, and integrate results with atmospheric and geochemical models. Experiments will be conducted in the newly built Delft High-Pressure/Temperature Laboratory for Planetary Materials, part of Delft Planetary Labs (DPL), offering access to state-of-the-art facilities designed to reproduce extreme planetary environments.

The work will contribute to improving our understanding of planetary evolution, surface–atmosphere interactions, and extreme greenhouse climates relevant to both Solar System planets and rocky exoplanets.

The project is closely connected to future Venus exploration efforts, including missions led by NASA. The results are expected to help maximise the scientific return of upcoming missions and support the long-term development of an integrated Venus simulation facility spanning atmosphere to interior.

The postdoctoral researcher will work in an interdisciplinary environment, collaborating with experts in planetary science, geochemistry, materials science, and atmospheric dynamics. The position also offers opportunities to contribute to mission science preparation, publish in leading journals, and present results at international conferences.

• Design and perform laboratory experiments under Venus-like conditions
• Analyse experimental and modelling data related to surface–atmosphere processes
• Contribute to planetary atmosphere and geochemical modelling efforts
• Publish research findings and present at scientific conferences
• Collaborate with international mission and research teams

Job requirements

• PhD in planetary science, geochemistry, geophysics, atmospheric science, or related field
• Experience with experimental petrology, high-pressure experiments, or planetary atmospheres
• Strong data analysis and scientific communication skills
• Ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams     

TU Delft
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 Aerospace Engineering
The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is a leading international community where innovation in aerospace meets global challenges. Our support and scientific staff, including PhD candidates, postdocs, and students, largely work together on three main themes: the energy transition, sustainable aerospace, and safety and security, with the aim of tackling climate change and contributing to the independence and security of Europe.

When you join us, you become part of a diverse, collaborative, and forward-thinking environment where your ideas and perspectives are valued. Our work extends beyond the lab—into field labs, innovation hubs, and partnerships with other faculties, research institutes, governments, and industry, both locally and globally.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming workplace, assisted by an active Diversity & Inclusion team. This includes tangible support such as funding for extra personnel for family and caregiving responsibilities, mentoring programmes, and initiatives that promote cultural exchange and integration.

You don’t just join our faculty — you join a community where you can thrive, grow, and help shape the future of aerospace.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering.

Postdoc Researcher in Maritime AI and Fuel-Efficient Vessel Operations

Job description
Are you passionate about applying artificial intelligence and data-driven methods to enable cleaner, smarter, and safer maritime operations? We are looking for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Maritime & Transport Technology department at TU Delft.

You will be part of the Maritime AI Innovation Lab, working in close collaboration with academic and industrial partners including TU Delft, MARIN, Damen, RH Marine, SafeSystems, Spliethoff, and Ocean AI. The project addresses one of the most urgent challenges in sustainable shipping: how to reduce fuel consumption and emissions under realistic operating conditions, accounting for variable weather and progressive hull fouling.

The candidate will be part of a large team of PhD students working on different aspects of the energy transition in the maritime sector. You will work at Delft University of Technology, in the Department of Maritime & Transport Technology, in the Sustainable Drive and Energy Systems Group, under the supervision and guidance of Dr. Andrea Coraddu.

Your main tasks will include:

• Developing hybrid models that combine physics-based knowledge with AI techniques to predict vessel fuel consumption under operational conditions.
• Designing and validating data-driven biofouling detection and monitoring methods, enabling condition-based maintenance strategies.
• Integrating environmental factors (waves, wind, currents) and operational data into predictive performance models.
• Collaborating with partners to test and validate your methods on real-world datasets and demonstrator platforms.
• Publishing your research in high-impact journals and conferences, and contributing to project deliverables.
• Supervising MSc and PhD students working in related areas.

You will work in a stimulating, interdisciplinary environment, bridging cutting-edge research with industrial relevance. The position provides a unique opportunity to advance the state of the art in maritime digital twins, AI for energy efficiency, and sustainable shipping technologies.

We offer you a dynamic role in an ambitious project that directly contributes to the decarbonisation of the maritime sector, while giving you the freedom to develop your own scientific ideas and collaborations.

Job requirements
We are looking for an outstanding and enthusiastic postdoc candidate who has expertise and/or strong interest in maritime energy systems, data-driven modelling, and hybrid physics–AI approaches.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD (or is close to completion) in one of the following areas: maritime engineering, mechanical engineering, applied mathematics, computer science, or a related field.

Other characteristics of a suitable candidate:

• Solid background in modelling of dynamic systems and/or machine learning for engineering applications.
• Interest in applying methods to fuel consumption, propulsion, and biofouling monitoring in maritime contexts.
• Experience with data analysis, simulation tools, or digital twins is an advantage.
• Proactive and independent, with the ability to interact effectively with different stakeholders in academia and industry.
• Good communication skills in English (both written and spoken).
• Team player, willing to contribute to the supervision of MSc and PhD students within the group.

TU Delft (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 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 ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

ME 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 ME’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 Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.