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PhD Position CFD-FEM Modelling of Electrically Heated Reactor Concepts With and Without Reactions
How will you electrify our future CO2 conversion reactors?
Job description
CO2 conversion reactors depend on adequate heating and heat management. Several thermochemical pathways involve high-temperature (> 300 °C) endothermic reactions, that depend on technically feasible, efficient and economically attractive heating by green electricity. A typical example is the dry reforming of biomethane, which is taken in this project as a model reaction to develop and further mature electric heating technologies. The developed technologies can be readily transferred to other relevant reactions for carbon-based chemistry, including reverse water-gas shift (CO2 + H2 <-> CO + H2O), leading to technology transition moving away from conventional fossil-fuel heated refining processes to the refinery of the future.
In this challenging PhD project we ask you to combine knowledge and models from three different domains: electromagnetism, thermo-hydraulics and reaction kinetics.
In particular, we aim to develop both surface heating solutions (through resistive and impedance heating) and volume heating solutions (through impedance and induction heating) for catalytic flow reactors. The work will be performed in the Process and Energy Department of the Mechanical Engineering Faculty (Johan Padding), in close collaboration with the Electrical Engineering Faculty of TU Delft (Mohamad Niasar) and the Chemical Engineering and Chemistry Department at TU Eindhoven (Martin van Sint Annaland).
Your work will start with the design, modelling and evaluation of resistive heating concepts in collaboration between T.EN, NEM, TU/e, and TNO. A theory review will be performed jointly, resulting in guidelines for reactor design, taking into account the electrical breakdown strength of the reaction environment. Based on advanced technology for internal resistive heating of chemical reactors, several different configurations will be evaluated with your CFD-FEM models and tested at TRL4 (10 kWe) at TU/e to identify the most promising configurations and operation modes, first only for heating purposes, followed by an experimental demonstration for dry methane reforming. For volume heating, T.EN with TUD and TU/e will design integrated 3D-printed structures that combine heating functionality with active materials (catalysts).
Next to the resistive heating solutions, you will design, model and evaluate impedance and inductive heating concepts in collaboration with T.EN, NEM, TU/e, and TNO. Several different configurations, which include direct inductive heating (using a dedicated coil) and impedance heating using auto-inductive effects in different reactor geometries, will be evaluated by your CFD-FEM models and tested at TRL4 (10 kWe) at TU/e to identify the most promising configurations and operation modes, first only for heating purposes, followed by an experimental demonstration for DRM.
Job requirements
You are a recent graduate looking to use your modelling skills and curiosity to create a greener process industry. With your pioneering mindset and communicative nature, you thrive in a complex multi-disciplinary team consisting of universities, knowledge institutes and companies and you are not overwhelmed by the ambitious nature of the project. You also have:
An MSc in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Applied Physics or related field
Proven experience with finite element and/or finite volume modelling of continuous fields in a multi-physics context
Affinity with chemical reactor engineering
Sound knowledge of Maxwell's equations for electromagnetic fields
TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.
For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.
These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.
At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional.
Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.
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.
. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.
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
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Johan Padding at
[email protected].
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 10 July 2026 upload the following documents:
CV
Cover letter
Detailed list of marks obtained for your BSc/MSc courses
You can address your application to Prof. dr. ir. Johan 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.
As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.
Faculty/Department: Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
Salary range: €3059 - €3881
Submission is possible until: 10 Jul 2026
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