Summary
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is offering a fully funded 4-year PhD position within the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. This research project focuses on developing innovative, modular, and scalable flowmeters that utilize ultrasonic surface acoustic wave sensing principles to measure both fluid flow and viscosity accurately in real-time.
Key Information Overview
| Attribute | Details |
| Position / Designation | PhD Candidate / Doctoral Researcher |
| Institution | Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) |
| Faculty / Department | Faculty of Mechanical Engineering |
| Location | Delft, Netherlands |
| Contract Duration | 4 Years (1.5-year initial contract + 2.5-year extension upon positive evaluation) |
| Employment Type | Full-time (36–40 hours per week / 1.0 FTE) |
| Salary Range | €3,204 – €4,051 gross per month (plus 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end bonus) |
| Job ID | 3692 |
| Application Deadline | 28 August 2026 |
Designation
- PhD Candidate (Doctoral Researcher)
Research Area
- Field: Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, Sensor Technology, and Materials Science.
- Topic: Ultrasound sensors, surface acoustic waves (SAW), non-invasive fluid property sensing, and quantitative inline viscosity/flow measurements.
Location
- TU Delft, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Delft, South Holland, The Netherlands (in collaboration with University of Twente and industry partners).
Eligibility & Qualifications
- Education: Master’s degree (MSc) in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
- Technical Background: Demonstrated experience with theoretical modeling, experimental design, and hands-on laboratory setups.
- Skills: Strong communication and collaborative skills; ability to work independently, manage a research pipeline, and demonstrate initiative.
- Language Proficiency: Strong command of spoken and written English meeting TU Delft Graduate School requirements.
Scholarship & Position Description
Project Scope
Continuous, non-invasive fluid characterization is essential in semiconductor manufacturing, pharmaceutical formulation, food production, and medical infusion systems. This project aims to demonstrate the quantitative, accurate measurement of fluid viscosity in ultrasound flow measurement systems using surface acoustic waves.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct experimental and theoretical research on ultrasound sensors and flow viscosity.
- Develop novel measurement strategies and construct experimentally validated quantitative models.
- Design and build the dedicated experimental sensing platform.
- Characterize ultrasound propagation loss, resonance behaviors, quality factors, and travel speed to optimize signal-to-noise ratios.
- Publish scientific findings in peer-reviewed journals, present at international conferences, and write a doctoral dissertation.
- Participate in educational activities, including supervising Master’s students.
Benefits & Employment Conditions
- Salary Progression: Monthly gross salary starting at €3,204 in Year 1, scaling up to €4,051 in Year 4 (per the Dutch Universities CAO).
- Additional Allowances: 8% annual holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
- Professional Development: Enrollment in the TU Delft Graduate School Doctoral Education Programme for transferable and research skill training.
- Relocation Support: Assistance via the Coming to Delft Service for international candidates, including integration events and partner dual-career support.
How to Apply
- Visit the TU Delft Official Vacancy Page and click “Apply now”.
- Upload the required application documents:
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation Letter (addressed to Dr. G.J. Verbiest)
- Note: Applications must be submitted via the online portal (submissions via email or post are not accepted).
Last Date for Apply
- 28 August 2026
