Join for smarter sampling strategies
Characterizing large volumes of heterogeneous granular materials presents a significant challenge,particularly for critical raw materials (CRMs) such as ores and industrial scrap. Material properties like particle size, shape, density, and composition can lead to segregation and inhomogeneous flow, complicating representative sampling and analysis. Material handling under harsh industrial conditions— dust, vibration, and temperature extremes—further increases the difficulty of accurate and representative material characterization.
Your work aims to improve the accuracy and reliability of CRM characterization under real-world industrial conditions, by modelling the material behavior itself through Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulations. Insights from these simulations will inform strategies for representative sampling, including optimal locations for analytical measurements using LIBS (Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy). Validation on a simplified lab-scale system will be conducted to refine these strategies and fundamental understanding.
Your work will contribute to the circular economy by improving the identification and recovery of CRMs from secondary sources. The combination of DEM simulations with sensor measurements will advance simulation-informed engineering and the smart industry.
You will work within the Machines & Materials Interactions section of TU Delft that aims at designing the next generation of machines in the transportation domain, taking into account their interactions with cargo, materials and objects that they manipulate; interaction with environments; and interaction between machines in the logistic system. The research interests and expertise include advanced modelling and design optimization methods for machines development. We use both experimental testing approaches and computational modelling and closely collaborate with many national and international experts across companies and research/ academic institutes.
The candidate:
- Holds a PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related field
- Has demonstrable experience with Discrete Element Method in combination with experimental work
- Has excellent communication skills and demonstrates a collaborative mindset
- Preferably has experience as a Post Doctoral researcher
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!
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.
- Duration of contract is 1 year Temporary
- A job of 32 hours per week.
- Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
- An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
- The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
- Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
- Flexible working week.
- Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
- Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
- Partially paid parental leave
- Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.
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. .
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof.dr.ir. Dingena Schott [email protected].
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 21 June 2026 upload the following documents:
- CV (incl. list of publications)
- Motivational letter and your most relevant publication
You can address your application to Prof.dr.ir. Dingena Schott.
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.
