PhD position: two-phase flow of cryogenic hydrogen

Job Description

Hydrogen is one of the most promising energy carriers and fuels for future sustainable aviation. As it flows from storage to the engine, the cryogenic liquid evaporates, creating a two-phase mixture that affects hydrogen distribution, as well as active components along the line, such as heat exchangers and valves.

Understanding and predicting the hydrogen flow and thermal behaviour is essential before such systems can be deployed.

As a PhD candidate in the Propulsion & Power group at TU Delft, you will tackle this challenge through advanced experimental and analytical investigations, focusing on how two-phase flow develops along cryogenics distribution lines.

The project is primarily experimental. You will help commission a new cryogenic test facility that is currently being developed in collaboration with the team, and run advanced experiments for investigating cryogenics two-phase flow. A second objective is to build cryogenic sensors for heat and flow measurements, in collaboration with the Von Karman Institute (VKI, Belgium).

You will join the Propulsion & Power group, that combines expertise in thermodynamics, heat transfer and turbomachinery. Your supervisors will guide you while giving you the room to shape your own research, and you will get the support and training you need to grow as an independent researcher.

Job Requirements

You are driven by the wish to understand physical phenomena, reasoning from first principles, and connecting your measurements back to the underlying mechanisms. You are happy to share knowledge and collaborate within an international team and visiting external partners for extended periods (up to few months).

To be considered, you will have:

• An MSc in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a closely related field.
• Strong foundations in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and heat transfer.
• An aptitude for experimental work, shown by hands-on involvement in building or running test setups.
• A very good spoken and written English.
• Experience in two-phase flow and heat transfer experiments and/or modelling is highly valued.

Conditions of Employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1.5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional Information

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Dr. Chiara Falsetti, via [email protected].

Application Procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 10 August 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter (1 page)
• Copies of your BSc and MSc degrees and transcripts

You can address your application to Dr. Chiara Falsetti.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
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