PhD Position Multiscale Modelling of Sorption-Enhanced CO₂ Hydrogenation Reactors

Job Description

The research programme CO2URAGE, funded by the Dutch funding organisation NWO in the framework of the Perspectief Programme, targets the conversion of intermittent electricity to platform chemicals and fuels making use of dynamically operated processes. This is a promising route to alleviate net congestion and make more effective and economic use of renewable electricity without an unnecessary discarding of generated power. This four year's PhD position is aimed at developing multiphase models to predict the dynamics and performance of sorption-enhanced CO2 hydrogenation reactors. An important feature is that the reactor should be heated electrically and should be scalable.

The PhD student will develop three-dimensional models to predict the hydrodynamics and heat/mass transfer in a complete reactor containing millions to billions of particles with basic wall heating. The precise type of reactor will be chosen in collabaration with other partners within this project. In case a (moving of fixed) bed is chosen, a coarse-grained CFD-DEM model or an Eulerian model will be developed, possibly making use of correlations from particle-resolved simulations. In case a fluidized bed is chosen, a traditional Eulerian Two-Fluid model (TFM) will be compared with a novel Lagrangian Continuous Particle Model (CPM). Initially, engineering correlations will be employed to describe the internal heat and mass transfer within the particles. Later, more accurate single-particle model results will be incorporated. The most suitable model will be expanded to investigate the efficiency of other electricity-based heating solutions such as microwave heating or electro-acoustic heating.

At TU Delft, the modelling work will be accompanied by another PhD student and postdoc who will carry out experimental work, which will allow for validation of the models. You will collaborate with experts from TU Delft, TNO and several large and SME companies involved in the programme.

Job Requirements

• An MSc degree in Mechanical engineering, Chemical engineering, Applied physics, or related field is required.
• Knowledge and proven experience with reactor modeling and multiphase CFD simulations.
• A critical and inquisitive attitude with regard to obtained 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. Willing to learn the Dutch language.

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 €3204 - €4051 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

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof.dr.ir. Johan T. Padding, [email protected].

Application Procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 30 September 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter

You can address your application to Prof.dr.ir. Johan T. Padding.

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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