Postdoc Aerothermodynamics of Innovative Solutions for Grazing Flow Heat Exchangers Delft • TU Delft

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Research the coupled physics of wall-bounded turbulence & heat transfer, improve high-performance surface heat exchangers, and innovate their aerothermodynamic design.

Integrating new powertrain solutions into sustainable aircraft designs comes with significant technological challenges: thermal management is one such challenge, particularly when hydrogen- or fuel-cell driven powertrains are considered. Innovative solutions for transporting vast amounts of waste heat, e.g., from the fuel-cell stacks, to the ambient flow will rely on a firm understanding of the heat transfer physics involved. The external skin of the aircraft offers potential to develop aerodynamically efficient heat exchange innovations. To do so, fundamental research will focus on boundary layer turbulence over non-adiabatic walls, under high Reynolds number conditions.

This project aims to investigate the turbulence dynamics of flow adjacent to heated surfaces. Investigating how the boundary layer flow physics change due to non-adiabatic (heated) wall conditions, and how aerodynamic performance can be influenced by non-uniform distributions of surface temperature and roughness, forms the central facet of this project. You will conduct high-fidelity experiments with flow and temperature measurement techniques, and you will focus on the receptivity of boundary layer flows to spatial modifications of the wall-temperature and roughness. How these alterations can be used to enhance the aerothermodynamic performance (e.g., reducing drag in grazing flow or enhancing heat transfer) is also part of your scope. Your R&D work has a direct impact on the integral performance of surface heat exchangers, given that the heat transfer to the external grazing flow often poses a limiting factor in thermal management systems.

(Note that you can lead the project on the TU Delft side, with ample opportunities to steer the fundamental research aspects of the project).

In your position, you will work closely with a young and energetic team that offers a stimulating and inclusive working environment for developing your research and academic skillset. In addition, given the multi-disciplinary nature of aerothermodynamic research, your undertakings will contribute to other projects on different themes related to non-adiabatic flows. We are looking for post-doctoral candidates (PhD finished), and/or candidates who are interested in a position as research engineer (MSc education finished).

We will consider applications based on the following skillsets. If you do not fullfil all requirements, please still apply (there is room for learning-on-the-job).

• A M.Sc. degree with a focus in fluid mechanics and heat transfer (e.g., aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or applied physics);
• An aptitude for working in a team and excellent communication skills in spoken and written English;
• Fundamental knowledge of fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and viscous fluid flows;
• Strong analytical skills; knowledge of physics, math and mechanical design is an asset;
• Strong affinity with (and background in) modelling of (non-adiabatic) fluid flows and optimization of low-fidelity models for aero-thermal systems;
• Strong affinity with (and background in) design of experiments and experimental techniques;
• Affinity with data processing techniques and programming (Matlab and/or Python);
• Hands on with lab-work, skilled in experimental design and hardware construction;
• Creativity, assertive attitude, and perseverance

The selection process will start immediately; the intended start date is in the Fall of 2025 but is subject to discussion.

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!

Faculty Aerospace Engineering

The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is one of the world’s most highly ranked (and most comprehensive) research, education and innovation communities devoted entirely to aerospace engineering. More than 200 science staff, around 270 PhD candidates and close to 3000 BSc and MSc students apply aerospace engineering disciplines to address the global societal challenges that threaten us today, climate change without doubt being the most important. Our focal subjects: sustainable aerospace, big data and artificial intelligence, bio-inspired engineering and smart instruments and systems. Working at the faculty means working together. With partners in other faculties, knowledge institutes, governments and industry, both aerospace and non-aerospace. Working in field labs and innovation hubs on our university campus and beyond. 

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering.

Conditions of employment 

• Duration of contract is 2 years.
• A job of 32-38 hours per week. 

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. 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
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Dr. ir. Woutijn J. Baars, via via de button "Solliciteer nu" op deze pagina..

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 1 September 2025 via the application button and upload the following 3 PDFS:

PDF 1 must include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Motivation letter (max 1 page)

PDF 2 must include:

• Contact information of two references (if desired, support letters can be attached, but they are not needed at this phase of the recruitment).
• Full transcripts of M.Sc. degree and/or PhD degree in English. In case the transcripts are in another language, please include a translation (certified translation is not needed).

PDF 3 must include:

• A sample of your scientific research output. This can be (part of) your MSc/PhD dissertation, or a research paper, in which you demonstrate the quality of your research.

Your motivation letter should include, at least, the following:

• Examples of projects and achievements that demonstrate your relevant competences;
• Your motivation for applying to this R&D position;
• Your motivation for working in an academic environment.

After the first selection process, video interviews will be arranged. You can address your application to Dr. ir. Woutijn J. Baars.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.