PhD Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Energy Security - Trade-Offs and Societal Implications

Job description
Nuclear energy is receiving renewed attention in Europe. An interesting aspect of this discussion is the focus on the Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). These are advanced nuclear reactors with a capacity of up to 300 MW(e) and several important features. First, given their specific design, they are suitable for locations generally unsuitable for larger reactors. Moreover, some SMRs feature improved passive or inherent safety systems that significantly reduce the potential for the unsafe release of radioactivity in an accident. Depending on the type, some SMRs can provide both electricity and heat, as well as steam, for industrial applications. Finally, SMRs (particularly the smaller microreactors up to 10 MW(e)) could be connected off-grid and provide for electricity in remote areas not connected to the grid, for desalination or in high-consumption areas. They can also help address grid congestion in industrialized countries (such as the Netherlands), where increasing electrification continues to put pressure on the network’s transport capacity, leading to congestion.

What is often overlooked in major – and hasty - political shifts is the broader implication about nuclear reactor technologies, fuel cycles, and waste management. More specifically, with SMRs, it is important to properly distinguish between different reactor types, their promises, time-to-deployment, fuel cycles, waste streams, safety cases, etc.

In this research, we follow a Values-based approach to compare different types of SMRs based on their contribution to Energy Security, but also what that means for the values Safety, Security, Economic Durability, Sustainability, and Justice. Building on an approach used by the Dutch Council for the Environment and Infrastructure (RLI 2022) and earlier work at TU Delft (Taebi and Kloosterman 2008, 2015), we will assess SMRs based on their contribution to Energy Security. We will at least focus on the SMRs that the Dutch Regulatory Body for Nuclear Safety (in Dutch: ANVS) is considering.

The overall project aim is to identify and explicate important values for the comparison of different SMRs and to to propose policy recommendations based on the contribution of each SMR to Energy Security.

This PhD position is part of the interdisciplinary Climate Safety & Security centre (CaSS) at TU Delft | Campus The Hague. This center conducts research on fair access to fundamental human needs - water, food and energy - and their crucial enablers: infrastructures and materials. Our goal is to contribute to a safe and secure future society by connecting insights from engineering, design and governance. The PhD-student will contribute to the Energy Security flagship within CaSS. The successful candidate will work 1 day/week at TU Delft | Campus The Hague and will have the opportunity to collaborate with researchers from across TU Delft, as well as policy makers from (national) governments and (inter)national organisations in The Hague and beyond.

For more information on CaSS see: www.tudelft.nl/en/climate-safety-security-centre

The PhD student will be hosted by the Department of Values, Technology and Innovation (VTI), in the Section of Ethics and Philosophy of Technology (TPM). The project is a collaboration with the department Process and Energy (P&E) and the Section of Energy Technology (ME). VTI is among the world-leading groups working on and innovating value-based design approaches. The department of Process and Energy is well-known for its research and development in energy engineering, such as high temperature heat pumps, electrochemical conversion, and advanced power cycles. Recently, P&E received a subsidy from the ministry of climate and green growth (KGG) to perform R&D focussing on development of new nuclear popower plant designs and their integration into the Dutch energy system.

Supervisory team: Behnam Taebi, Jurriaan Peeters & James Hutton.

Interview dates: 7 May (1st round) and 18 May (2nd round).

Job requirements
Ideal candidate has a solid engineering background and additional knowledge and expertise in social sciences or humanities.

• MSc in engineering with a proper understanding of broad engineering issues.
• Affinity with ethics and moral philosophy (highly recommended but not required).
• Good communication and presentation skills in English.
• Recommended but not required: good communication and presentation skills in Dutch.

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 Technology, Policy & Management
The Faculty of TPM provides an important contribution to solving complex technical-social issues, such as energy transition, mobility, digitalisation, water management and (cyber) security. TPM does this with its excellent education and research at the intersection of technology, society and policy. We combine insights from both engineering and social sciences as well as the humanities. TPM develops robust models and designs, is internationally oriented and has an extensive network of knowledge institutions, companies, social organisations and governments.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management.

Postdoc Epigenetic Editing for Cultivated Meat

Job description

‘Cultivated meat’, the production of genuine meat products from in vitro culture of animal cells, is an emerging biotechnology within the field of cellular agriculture with the potential to revolutionise food production from both an environmental and ethical perspective. Unfortunately, higher eukaryotic cells in their unmodified state have severe limitations with respect to in vitro culture, presenting major challenges for the scalability and cost-effectiveness of cultivated meat bioprocesses. These include limited cellular lifespans, slow proliferation rates, demanding medium requirements and a preference for adherent growth, amongst others. Cell engineering using genetic modification can solve some of these problems, but introduces regulatory complexities and biological challenges of it’s own.

Epigenetic editing, the controlled reprogramming of endogenous gene expression using sequence-specific DNA- and histone-modifying tools, might be a potential solution! We are hiring for a postdoctoral scientist to join the group for a fully-funded project of (an initial) 3 years. Within the Flack group, you will develop tools and methods for epigenetic editing, and use these to engineer bovine satellite cell lines with a variety of new and improved phenotypes, relating to (for example) suspension culture, growth factor requirements, and metabolic efficiency. You will also set up epigenetic screens using CRISPRa/CRISPRi articificial transcription factors to identify target genes for engineering.

Within the scope of epigenetic editing for cultivated meat, there will be freedom to select and suggest your own research projects, and to become acquainted with new techniques and approaches. There will be ample opportunities to supervise PhD, MSc and BSc students in the group, and to become familiar with grant writing and funding acquisition. Careers advice and discussion will be available for both academic and industry-minded scientists. We are a friendly, collaborative group and are looking for highly motivated candidates with strong project management and communication skills. You will be joining a dynamic department with broad interests in biotechnology and synthetic biology across all domains of life.

The research is funded as part of the NWO Open Technology Programme, and will involve collaboration and coordination with several industrial parties.

For more information, please refer to the Flack Group website and/or get in touch.

Job requirements
The ideal candidate will be an ambitious, independent researcher looking to make the next step in their career. We are looking for the following:

• PhD in cell biology, synthetic biology or a related field of biological sciences (essential)
• Strong background in molecular biology, cloning and genetic manipulation (essential)
• Expertise with mammalian cell culture (essential)
• Prior experience with gene editing and/or cell engineering (e.g. CRISPR/Cas or related techniques - essential)
• Prior experience with epigenetic editing or methods will be advantageous (but is not required for an applicant to be considered)
• Experience in relevant related techniques such as microscopy, transcriptomics or metabolomics (highly desirable)
• A strong interest in cellular agriculture/cultivated meat is essential, although specific prior experience in this area is not expected or required.
• Strong collaboration, communication, writing and project management skills

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 Applied Sciences
With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 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 educate innovative 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.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.

PhD Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Energy Security - Trade-Offs and Societal Implications

Job description
Nuclear energy is receiving renewed attention in Europe. An interesting aspect of this discussion is the focus on the Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). These are advanced nuclear reactors with a capacity of up to 300 MW(e) and several important features. First, given their specific design, they are suitable for locations generally unsuitable for larger reactors. Moreover, some SMRs feature improved passive or inherent safety systems that significantly reduce the potential for the unsafe release of radioactivity in an accident. Depending on the type, some SMRs can provide both electricity and heat, as well as steam, for industrial applications. Finally, SMRs (particularly the smaller microreactors up to 10 MW(e)) could be connected off-grid and provide for electricity in remote areas not connected to the grid, for desalination or in high-consumption areas. They can also help address grid congestion in industrialized countries (such as the Netherlands), where increasing electrification continues to put pressure on the network’s transport capacity, leading to congestion.

What is often overlooked in major – and hasty - political shifts is the broader implication about nuclear reactor technologies, fuel cycles, and waste management. More specifically, with SMRs, it is important to properly distinguish between different reactor types, their promises, time-to-deployment, fuel cycles, waste streams, safety cases, etc.

In this research, we follow a Values-based approach to compare different types of SMRs based on their contribution to Energy Security, but also what that means for the values Safety, Security, Economic Durability, Sustainability, and Justice. Building on an approach used by the Dutch Council for the Environment and Infrastructure (RLI 2022) and earlier work at TU Delft (Taebi and Kloosterman 2008, 2015), we will assess SMRs based on their contribution to Energy Security. We will at least focus on the SMRs that the Dutch Regulatory Body for Nuclear Safety (in Dutch: ANVS) is considering.

The overall project aim is to identify and explicate important values for the comparison of different SMRs and to to propose policy recommendations based on the contribution of each SMR to Energy Security.

This PhD position is part of the interdisciplinary Climate Safety & Security centre (CaSS) at TU Delft | Campus The Hague. This center conducts research on fair access to fundamental human needs - water, food and energy - and their crucial enablers: infrastructures and materials. Our goal is to contribute to a safe and secure future society by connecting insights from engineering, design and governance. The PhD-student will contribute to the Energy Security flagship within CaSS. The successful candidate will work 1 day/week at TU Delft | Campus The Hague and will have the opportunity to collaborate with researchers from across TU Delft, as well as policy makers from (national) governments and (inter)national organisations in The Hague and beyond.

For more information on CaSS see: www.tudelft.nl/en/climate-safety-security-centre

The PhD student will be hosted by the Department of Values, Technology and Innovation (VTI), in the Section of Ethics and Philosophy of Technology (TPM). The project is a collaboration with the department Process and Energy (P&E) and the Section of Energy Technology (ME). VTI is among the world-leading groups working on and innovating value-based design approaches. The department of Process and Energy is well-known for its research and development in energy engineering, such as high temperature heat pumps, electrochemical conversion, and advanced power cycles. Recently, P&E received a subsidy from the ministry of climate and green growth (KGG) to perform R&D focussing on development of new nuclear popower plant designs and their integration into the Dutch energy system.

Supervisory team: Behnam Taebi, Jurriaan Peeters & James Hutton.

Interview dates: 7 May (1st round) and 18 May (2nd round).

Job requirements
Ideal candidate has a solid engineering background and additional knowledge and expertise in social sciences or humanities.

• MSc in engineering with a proper understanding of broad engineering issues.
• Affinity with ethics and moral philosophy (highly recommended but not required).
• Good communication and presentation skills in English.
• Recommended but not required: good communication and presentation skills in Dutch.

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 Technology, Policy & Management
The Faculty of TPM provides an important contribution to solving complex technical-social issues, such as energy transition, mobility, digitalisation, water management and (cyber) security. TPM does this with its excellent education and research at the intersection of technology, society and policy. We combine insights from both engineering and social sciences as well as the humanities. TPM develops robust models and designs, is internationally oriented and has an extensive network of knowledge institutions, companies, social organisations and governments.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management.

Postdoc Epigenetic Editing for Cultivated Meat

Job description

‘Cultivated meat’, the production of genuine meat products from in vitro culture of animal cells, is an emerging biotechnology within the field of cellular agriculture with the potential to revolutionise food production from both an environmental and ethical perspective. Unfortunately, higher eukaryotic cells in their unmodified state have severe limitations with respect to in vitro culture, presenting major challenges for the scalability and cost-effectiveness of cultivated meat bioprocesses. These include limited cellular lifespans, slow proliferation rates, demanding medium requirements and a preference for adherent growth, amongst others. Cell engineering using genetic modification can solve some of these problems, but introduces regulatory complexities and biological challenges of it’s own.

Epigenetic editing, the controlled reprogramming of endogenous gene expression using sequence-specific DNA- and histone-modifying tools, might be a potential solution! We are hiring for a postdoctoral scientist to join the group for a fully-funded project of (an initial) 3 years. Within the Flack group, you will develop tools and methods for epigenetic editing, and use these to engineer bovine satellite cell lines with a variety of new and improved phenotypes, relating to (for example) suspension culture, growth factor requirements, and metabolic efficiency. You will also set up epigenetic screens using CRISPRa/CRISPRi articificial transcription factors to identify target genes for engineering.

Within the scope of epigenetic editing for cultivated meat, there will be freedom to select and suggest your own research projects, and to become acquainted with new techniques and approaches. There will be ample opportunities to supervise PhD, MSc and BSc students in the group, and to become familiar with grant writing and funding acquisition. Careers advice and discussion will be available for both academic and industry-minded scientists. We are a friendly, collaborative group and are looking for highly motivated candidates with strong project management and communication skills. You will be joining a dynamic department with broad interests in biotechnology and synthetic biology across all domains of life.

The research is funded as part of the NWO Open Technology Programme, and will involve collaboration and coordination with several industrial parties.

For more information, please refer to the Flack Group website and/or get in touch.

Job requirements
The ideal candidate will be an ambitious, independent researcher looking to make the next step in their career. We are looking for the following:

• PhD in cell biology, synthetic biology or a related field of biological sciences (essential)
• Strong background in molecular biology, cloning and genetic manipulation (essential)
• Expertise with mammalian cell culture (essential)
• Prior experience with gene editing and/or cell engineering (e.g. CRISPR/Cas or related techniques - essential)
• Prior experience with epigenetic editing or methods will be advantageous (but is not required for an applicant to be considered)
• Experience in relevant related techniques such as microscopy, transcriptomics or metabolomics (highly desirable)
• A strong interest in cellular agriculture/cultivated meat is essential, although specific prior experience in this area is not expected or required.
• Strong collaboration, communication, writing and project management skills

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 Applied Sciences
With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 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 educate innovative 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.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.

PhD Position Epigenetic Editing for Cultivated Meat

Job description

‘Cultivated meat’, the production of genuine meat products from in vitro culture of animal cells, is an emerging biotechnology within the field of cellular agriculture with the potential to revolutionise food production from both an environmental and ethical perspective. Unfortunately, higher eukaryotic cells in their unmodified state have severe limitations with respect to in vitro culture, presenting major challenges for the scalability and cost-effectiveness of cultivated meat bioprocesses. These include limited cellular lifespans, slow proliferation rates, demanding medium requirements and a preference for adherent growth, amongst others. Cell engineering using genetic modification can solve some of these problems, but introduces regulatory complexities and biological challenges of it’s own.

Epigenetic editing, the controlled reprogramming of endogenous gene expression using sequence-specific DNA- and histone-modifying tools, might be a potential solution! We are hiring for a PhD student to join the group for a fully-funded project of 4 years. Within the Flack group, you will develop tools and methods for epigenetic editing, and use these to engineer bovine satellite cell lines with a variety of new and improved phenotypes, relating to (for example) suspension culture, growth factor requirements, and metabolic efficiency.

Within the scope of epigenetic editing for cultivated meat, there will be freedom to direct your own research projects, and to become acquainted with new techniques and approaches. There will be opportunities to supervise MSc and BSc students in the group. Advice and discussion will be available for candidates interested in both academic and industry careers. We are a friendly, collaborative group and are looking for a highly motivated student with strong scientific communication skills. You will be joining a dynamic department with broad interests in biotechnology and synthetic biology across all domains of life.

The research is funded as part of the NWO Open Technology Programme, and will involve collaboration and coordination with several industrial parties.

For more information, please refer to the Flack Group website and/or get in touch.

Job requirements
The ideal candidate will be an ambitious, proactive, reflective, and results-driven researcher. We are looking for the following:

• MSc degree in a relevant field, such as cell biology, biotechnology or a related field of biological sciences (essential)
• Prior lab experience in molecular biology, cloning and genetic manipulation (essential)
• Prior expertise with mammalian cell culture (highly desirable)
• Prior experience with gene editing and/or cell engineering (e.g. CRISPR/Cas or related techniques - highly desirable)
• A strong interest in cellular agriculture/cultivated meat is essential, although specific prior experience in this area is not expected or required
• Strong collaboration, communication and writing skills

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 Applied Sciences
With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 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 educate innovative 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.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.