Summary
Continuous, non-invasive measurements of fluid properties are essential for industries producing food, medicine, and semiconductors. This PhD project aims to develop innovative, scalable, and modular flowmeters capable of measuring both flow and viscosity using ultrasonic surface acoustic wave sensing principles. The research will bridge the gap between known principles of surface acoustic waves and commercial ultrasound flow measurement systems to accurately and quantitatively measure viscosity.
PhD Position: Sensing Viscosity with Ultrasound, TU Delft, Netherlands
Designation
Doctoral Candidate (PhD Position)
Position Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Institution | TU Delft (Delft University of Technology) |
| Faculty/Department | Faculty of Mechanical Engineering |
| Salary Range | €3,204 – €4,051 gross per month |
| Working Hours | 36 – 40 hours per week (1 FTE) |
| Duration | 4-year period (Initial 1.5-year contract, extended for 2.5 years upon successful assessment) |
| Job ID | 3692 |
Research Area
Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Ultrasonic Sensors, Fluid Dynamics, and Flow Measurement.
Location
Delft, Netherlands
Eligibility/Qualification
- An MSc degree in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a related area.
- Prior experience with modeling, designing, and conducting experiments.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively as a team player.
- Creative, independent, and self-motivated with the initiative to organize, set up, and execute research.
- Must meet the English proficiency requirements set by the TU Delft Graduate School to write scientific articles, participate in courses, and communicate effectively.
Job Description
Carried out in close collaboration with Twente University and leading companies in the flow sensing industry, your primary responsibilities will include:
- Investigating and conducting research on ultrasound sensors and flow viscosity.
- Developing and inventing novel measurement methods and strategies.
- Setting up a quantitative, experimentally validated model for ultrasonic flow sensors.
- Designing a customized experimental sensing platform required for the project.
- Characterizing ultrasound propagation loss, travel speed, and quality factors, as well as studying resonance behavior to determine optimal excitation frequencies for maximizing signal-to-noise ratios.
- Engaging in educational activities, such as supervising Master’s students.
- Writing a doctoral dissertation, publishing results in renowned peer-reviewed journals, and presenting at international conferences.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must apply online through the TU Delft Application Portal. Please upload the following documents and address your application to Dr. G.J. Verbiest:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivational letter
Note: Applications sent by email or post will not be processed. An obligatory knowledge security risk assessment and a specific research exemption from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) are required prior to final employment.
Last Date for Apply
August 28, 2026
