PhD Position Fluid Dynamics of Battery Recycling

Job description
The rapid expansion in the use of batteries in recent years has created a critical issue: metals that are necessary for battery manufacturing (cobalt, nickel, lithium, etc) are scarce and their supply is constrained, creating insecurities about future supply and geopolitical frictions. As part of the CRM Lion consortium, TU Delft, in collaboration with several industrial partners, aims to find a solution to the problem by extracting metals from spent lithium ion batteries. The PhD project focuses on multiphase flow simulations to fundamentally understand the fluid mechanics and transport phenomena controlling the metal dissolution and extraction process.

Scientific context: The state of the art method for battery recycling is hydrometallurgical dissolution, also called leaching dissolution. Leaching is a method for metal dissolution and separation that occurs in liquid solvent under mixing conditions. How can this method be optimised to make the process more environmentally friendly and reduce its cost (so that battery recycling can be a valid alternative to conventional mining)? Replying to this question requires an understanding of the convective and diffusive phenomena that occur at the solid-liquid interface of the battery particulate materials during leaching, and how these phenomena affect mass transfer at the level of the particulate suspension.

Project objectives: i) to develop mathematical and numerical models of the coupled fluid and mass transfer that occurs during the process of leaching of the black mass, a particulate (multiphase) mixture that originates from crushed Li-ion batteries, and ii) to investigate the microscale physical processes that give rise to leaching, both in laminar and turbulent flow conditions.

Approach: To reach the above objectives, a PhD candidate with an interest in multiphase fluid mechanics and in the development of numerical methods will be supervised by Dr. Lorenzo Botto (TU Delft's Process & Energy Department), in collaboration with Dr. Shoshan Abrahami (TU Delft's Materials Science and Engineering Department). The selected candidate will work as part of a research team, and work in collaboration with experimentalists. Specifically, 1 experimental PhD student and 1 experimental postdoc who will provide data for validation and experimental insights. A Dutch industrial company that develops an innovative metal extraction method will also be involved in the PhD project, and will furnish data, insights, and help developing relevant research questions. The ability of the PhD student to work in a team will therefore be valuable.

The numerical approach is based on an Eulerian-Lagrangian model of coupled transport of momentum, mass of leaching reactants and mass of leaching products, with experimentally measurable chemical kinetics parameters.

Job requirements
We are looking for 1 candidate with an MSc in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, Chemical Engineering, Mathematics or related disciplines.

Applicants need to demonstrate:

• An excellent track record in their education and research.
• A strong educational background in fluid dynamics and transport phenomena.
• Research experience in theoretical or numerical fluid dynamics, as evidenced by academic reports, theses or scientific papers from previous research; experimentalists will be considered if they can prove their ability to handle mathematical models.
• An ability and willingness to learn to communicate effectively with different audiences.
• Excellent command of English (written and spoken).
• Interest in working in a team with close synergy between experiments and simulations.
• An open mind to collaborate with colleagues, project partners, and industry.
• An interest in investigating fundamental fluid dynamics processes with the aim of solving a practical problem.

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.

PhD Position Fluid Dynamics of Battery Recycling

Job description
The rapid expansion in the use of batteries in recent years has created a critical issue: metals that are necessary for battery manufacturing (cobalt, nickel, lithium, etc) are scarce and their supply is constrained, creating insecurities about future supply and geopolitical frictions. As part of the CRM Lion consortium, TU Delft, in collaboration with several industrial partners, aims to find a solution to the problem by extracting metals from spent lithium ion batteries. The PhD project focuses on multiphase flow simulations to fundamentally understand the fluid mechanics and transport phenomena controlling the metal dissolution and extraction process.

Scientific context: The state of the art method for battery recycling is hydrometallurgical dissolution, also called leaching dissolution. Leaching is a method for metal dissolution and separation that occurs in liquid solvent under mixing conditions. How can this method be optimised to make the process more environmentally friendly and reduce its cost (so that battery recycling can be a valid alternative to conventional mining)? Replying to this question requires an understanding of the convective and diffusive phenomena that occur at the solid-liquid interface of the battery particulate materials during leaching, and how these phenomena affect mass transfer at the level of the particulate suspension.

Project objectives: i) to develop mathematical and numerical models of the coupled fluid and mass transfer that occurs during the process of leaching of the black mass, a particulate (multiphase) mixture that originates from crushed Li-ion batteries, and ii) to investigate the microscale physical processes that give rise to leaching, both in laminar and turbulent flow conditions.

Approach: To reach the above objectives, a PhD candidate with an interest in multiphase fluid mechanics and in the development of numerical methods will be supervised by Dr. Lorenzo Botto (TU Delft's Process & Energy Department), in collaboration with Dr. Shoshan Abrahami (TU Delft's Materials Science and Engineering Department). The selected candidate will work as part of a research team, and work in collaboration with experimentalists. Specifically, 1 experimental PhD student and 1 experimental postdoc who will provide data for validation and experimental insights. A Dutch industrial company that develops an innovative metal extraction method will also be involved in the PhD project, and will furnish data, insights, and help developing relevant research questions. The ability of the PhD student to work in a team will therefore be valuable.

The numerical approach is based on an Eulerian-Lagrangian model of coupled transport of momentum, mass of leaching reactants and mass of leaching products, with experimentally measurable chemical kinetics parameters.

Job requirements
We are looking for 1 candidate with an MSc in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, Chemical Engineering, Mathematics or related disciplines.

Applicants need to demonstrate:

• An excellent track record in their education and research.
• A strong educational background in fluid dynamics and transport phenomena.
• Research experience in theoretical or numerical fluid dynamics, as evidenced by academic reports, theses or scientific papers from previous research; experimentalists will be considered if they can prove their ability to handle mathematical models.
• An ability and willingness to learn to communicate effectively with different audiences.
• Excellent command of English (written and spoken).
• Interest in working in a team with close synergy between experiments and simulations.
• An open mind to collaborate with colleagues, project partners, and industry.
• An interest in investigating fundamental fluid dynamics processes with the aim of solving a practical problem.

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 Modular Design of Experimental Uninhabited Aerial Vehicles

Job description

We are seeking a thoughtful, creative, and collaborative researcher excited to help shape an innovative flying testbed concept from its earliest stages.

In this role, you will take the lead in developing a complete modular UAV flying testbed design framework, spanning conceptual thinking, systematic design exploration, structural innovation, and detailed CAD work. You will also work closely with a group of MSc thesis students who will support the project with dedicated sub-tasks. The position offers an opportunity to combine independent scientific development with mentoring, teamwork, and design leadership.

The job consists of the following activities:

• Design Process Development: Creating a clear, well-structured, and transparent design workflow suited to modular flying testbed architectures.
• Wing Parameter Space Exploration: Investigating aerodynamic and structural parameters to identify promising wing geometries and modular interfaces.
• Modular Structural Concepts: Conceiving elegant and practical structural solutions that support easy assembly, adaptability, and manufacturability while maintaining strength and performance.
• CAD-based Design Development: Building a coherent, manufacturable flying testbed design in CAD software, integrating structure, aerodynamics, and modular components into a unified concept.
• Collaboration & Mentorship: Working with MSc graduating students, offering guidance, constructive feedback, and fostering an inclusive, respectful, and supportive environment.

Job requirements
We require the following competences for the job:

• A PhD degree in the aera of aerospace engineering is a must.
• Strong affinity with aircraft structures. Experience with (scaled) aircraft structures manufacturing is a pre.
• Excellent engineering insight given the design requirements of the position.
• Demonstratable capabilities to work in multidisciplinary and multinational 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 Modular Design of Experimental Uninhabited Aerial Vehicles

Job description

We are seeking a thoughtful, creative, and collaborative researcher excited to help shape an innovative flying testbed concept from its earliest stages.

In this role, you will take the lead in developing a complete modular UAV flying testbed design framework, spanning conceptual thinking, systematic design exploration, structural innovation, and detailed CAD work. You will also work closely with a group of MSc thesis students who will support the project with dedicated sub-tasks. The position offers an opportunity to combine independent scientific development with mentoring, teamwork, and design leadership.

The job consists of the following activities:

• Design Process Development: Creating a clear, well-structured, and transparent design workflow suited to modular flying testbed architectures.
• Wing Parameter Space Exploration: Investigating aerodynamic and structural parameters to identify promising wing geometries and modular interfaces.
• Modular Structural Concepts: Conceiving elegant and practical structural solutions that support easy assembly, adaptability, and manufacturability while maintaining strength and performance.
• CAD-based Design Development: Building a coherent, manufacturable flying testbed design in CAD software, integrating structure, aerodynamics, and modular components into a unified concept.
• Collaboration & Mentorship: Working with MSc graduating students, offering guidance, constructive feedback, and fostering an inclusive, respectful, and supportive environment.

Job requirements
We require the following competences for the job:

• A PhD degree in the aera of aerospace engineering is a must.
• Strong affinity with aircraft structures. Experience with (scaled) aircraft structures manufacturing is a pre.
• Excellent engineering insight given the design requirements of the position.
• Demonstratable capabilities to work in multidisciplinary and multinational 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 Inclusive Musculoskeletal Models for Human Movement

Job description
Musculoskeletal disorders, affecting muscles, bones, joints, and associated tissues, are the leading cause of disability worldwide. Musculoskeletal models hold great potential for prevention and development of new treatments, but current models often fail to capture sex diversity.

Our NWO Vidi Grant project, “Breaking BIASmechanics”, aims to change this by creating innovative technology for generating accurate musculoskeletal models outside the lab that account for sex variations. In collaboration with societal, industry, and health partners—including NOC*NSF, Vitronic, ModelHealth, and the Sport & Gyn network—these next-generation models will allow us to explore how sex diversity affects movement and musculoskeletal loading, guiding more equitable rehabilitation, prevention, and performance programs.

As a PhD candidate in this project, you will:

• Investigate muscle physiology using advanced techniques such as MRI-DTI, ultrasound imaging, muscle stimulation, and electromyography (EMG).
• Perform anatomical dissections on human specimens to collect in-vitro data for model validation.
• Design and conduct motion capture experiments in diverse settings: laboratory environments, athletic fields, and clinical contexts.
• Collaborate within a team to organize and manage a large-scale human participant study, including recruitment and logistical coordination.
• Communicate effectively with study participants in Dutch.
• Work closely with an interdisciplinary team of experts in biomechanics, anatomy, medical imaging, clinical sciences, and sports coaching.

This PhD is ideally suited for candidates who enjoy hands-on experimental work, working with people, and combining cutting-edge measurement technologies with computational modelling.

Job requirements
We are seeking an ambitious, hands-on PhD candidate who is excited to push the boundaries of musculoskeletal research. You are eager to combine experimental biomechanics and anatomy to create inclusive, next-generation musculoskeletal models that will shape the future of rehabilitation, prevention, and athletic performance.

You bring:

• A Master’s degree in Human Movement Sciences, Biomechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Technical Medicine, or a related discipline
• A strong curiosity for human muscle physiology and medical imaging.
• Experience with human motion capture experiments.
• Solid programming skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for data analysis and computational modeling.
• Confidence and interest to work with cadaveric specimens.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills to manage complex human studies.
• Fluency in Dutch for participant communication.
• Ability to work independently while thriving in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team.
• Proficiency in English, both written and spoken.

If you enjoy hands-on research, working with people, and bridging experiments with cutting-edge computational methods, this PhD is the perfect opportunity to make a real impact in inclusive musculoskeletal science.

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.