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.

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.

PhD Position Optimizing Hydrometallurgical Recovery of CRMs from Li-ion Battery Black Mass

Job description
Join the Materials Production, Refining and Recycling (MPRR) group in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) at TU Delft and contribute to advancing battery circularity by optimizing the recovery of critical raw materials in the hydrometallurgical recycling of Li-ion batteries.

As a PhD researcher, you will:

• Investigate purification and separation methods to understand mechanisms for impurity removal (e.g., Cu, Al, Fe) and for better recovery of Co, Ni, and Mn.
• Identify and optimize key process parameters for black mass treatment in close collaboration with industry partners.
• Evaluate the performance of recycled materials in new battery cells.

Your work will contribute to recycling routes that use fewer chemicals, reduce waste, and lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional processes.

Background
Batteries are essential for decarbonizing transport and enabling renewable energy storage, yet their widespread use presents a growing waste-management challenge. Recycling spent batteries is key to recovering valuable materials and improving the sustainability of the battery value chain. Hydrometallurgical recycling is particularly suitable to handle the complex and variable composition of industrial Li-ion waste streams. However, it must become more efficient and sustainable, while achieving higher purity and recovery rates to meet EU regulatory targets.

This project is part of the CRM Lion project, which is part of the national program for Material Independence & Circular Batteries, supporting the development of Li-ion battery recycling industry in the Netherlands.

Job requirements
We are seeking a proactive, self-motivated candidate with a strong background in experimental research. Candidates should meet the following requirements:

• MSc degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Solid understanding of chemical reactions and thermodynamics. Practical experience in recycling, hydrometallurgy and electrochemistry in a plus.
• Strong communication skills in English, including proficiency in scientific writing (reports, papers) and technical presentations.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and willingness to collaborate with project partners, including academic and industry stakeholders.

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 Optimizing Hydrometallurgical Recovery of CRMs from Li-ion Battery Black Mass

Job description
Join the Materials Production, Refining and Recycling (MPRR) group in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) at TU Delft and contribute to advancing battery circularity by optimizing the recovery of critical raw materials in the hydrometallurgical recycling of Li-ion batteries.

As a PhD researcher, you will:

• Investigate purification and separation methods to understand mechanisms for impurity removal (e.g., Cu, Al, Fe) and for better recovery of Co, Ni, and Mn.
• Identify and optimize key process parameters for black mass treatment in close collaboration with industry partners.
• Evaluate the performance of recycled materials in new battery cells.

Your work will contribute to recycling routes that use fewer chemicals, reduce waste, and lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional processes.

Background
Batteries are essential for decarbonizing transport and enabling renewable energy storage, yet their widespread use presents a growing waste-management challenge. Recycling spent batteries is key to recovering valuable materials and improving the sustainability of the battery value chain. Hydrometallurgical recycling is particularly suitable to handle the complex and variable composition of industrial Li-ion waste streams. However, it must become more efficient and sustainable, while achieving higher purity and recovery rates to meet EU regulatory targets.

This project is part of the CRM Lion project, which is part of the national program for Material Independence & Circular Batteries, supporting the development of Li-ion battery recycling industry in the Netherlands.

Job requirements
We are seeking a proactive, self-motivated candidate with a strong background in experimental research. Candidates should meet the following requirements:

• MSc degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Solid understanding of chemical reactions and thermodynamics. Practical experience in recycling, hydrometallurgy and electrochemistry in a plus.
• Strong communication skills in English, including proficiency in scientific writing (reports, papers) and technical presentations.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and willingness to collaborate with project partners, including academic and industry stakeholders.

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.

Faculty Safety Officer Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Sciences

Job Description

At the Faculty of EEMCS, the vision of our Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) team is clear: to further develop a healthier and safer working environment through a proactive safety culture. We are currently shaping our team and systems to reflect this vision. As part of this process, we are looking for a colleague to fill the newly created position of Faculty Safety Officer (FSO) within the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS).

Are you a hands-on problem solver who enjoys supporting others, and a creative thinker who thrives in an environment where structures are still taking shape? Then this is your chance to contribute to a truly one-of-a-kind setting, a leading technical university where groundbreaking research and inventions take place every day. Here, you’ll encounter an unparalleled variety of situations and safety challenges that make this role as dynamic as it is meaningful.

About the role
As our new Faculty Safety Officer, you’ll work alongside researchers and laboratory technicians across diverse fields and disciplines, from chemistry to physics and electrical engineering. Your role will involve helping them to identify and manage risks, develop safe working methods, and provide insight to ensure that research is conducted in a safe manner.

You will be part of our Faculty HSE team; you’ll work closely with the HSE Advisor, Faculty Secretary, Faculty Coordinator, Prevention Officers, and Area Supervisors. You’ll also collaborate with our Emergency Response Team (ERT/BHV) coordinators to oversee that we’re well prepared for any situation.

In your role, you will work with the HSE Advisor to analyze insights you gathered from daily practice. Together, you will advise on advanced risk reduction methods to improve health and safety in the workspace.

Given that we are still in the process of developing the faculty’s HSE team and our risk management system, we value someone who is willing to actively shape their own role and is eager to strengthen our faculty’s safety culture with new effective practices.

Your daily activities will include:

• Risk Inventory and Evaluation processes, carry out assessments in laboratories and workshops, and provide advice on practical, effective safety measures;
• Safety and Health Monitoring, conducting regular safety inspection rounds in laboratories and advising on areas of improvement;
• Incident Analysis, investigating safety incidents and promoting lesson-learning campaigns;
• Policy & Procedure Development, advise on policy changes and support the implementation of HSE procedures, e.g. support with the implementation of central TUD-HSE tools;
• Training & Professional Development, further develop and take an active part in the faculty’s HSE training program, e.g. for Area Supervisors and Prevention Officers;
• Planning and Design, participate in discussions about design of new laboratories and facilities renovation plans.

In short, this is a diverse and meaningful role in which you can help researchers achieve groundbreaking results safely, while also making a significant contribution to cultural change that promotes safety and wellbeing in the workplace.

Job requirements

About you
You’re an approachable safety and health expert who enjoys connecting with people and helping them understand safety in a practical, engaging way. You think critically, communicate clearly, and take initiative.

We welcome professionals in the field of safety and health, with a solid foundation in electrical engineering, physics or chemistry, who are eager to deepen and share their expertise in our unique scientific and evolving environment.

You bring:

• A MBO+ / HBO degree or equivalent working experience that shows solid understanding of the processes and the associated risks within a chemical, physics or electrical engineering laboratories or industries. This is a must.
• Additional training in safety science (MVK, HVK or an international equivalent). This is a must. If you have a MVK degree or equivalent, then we offer you the opportunity to get your HVK degree.
• Preferably, experience as a safety professional or occupational hygienist, ideally in a research or industrial setting.
• Excellent communication skills in English; Dutch proficiency is an advantage.
• Confidence in advising colleagues at all levels and delivering engaging presentations or lectures on HSE topics.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, combined with a practical mindset.
• You will regularly visit laboratories and cleanrooms, so you must be willing and able to follow the required safety procedures.

Please note that due to the nature of the environment, this role is not suitable for individuals with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) or a pacemaker.

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 Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.