项目介绍

2026年7月1日

Job description  

TU Delft participates in a consortium led by Allseas that is developing a micro High-Temperature Reactor for maritime and land-based applications. The reactor is a pebble-bed HTR designed to provide reliable and safe energy production in challenging environments.

As a PhD candidate, you will develop and integrate high-fidelity simulation tools for neutron transport, thermo-hydraulics, computational fluid dynamics and fuel performance. These models will be combined into a multi-physics framework capable of predicting reactor behaviour during normal operation and transient conditions.

You will validate simulation results using experimental datasets produced by the accompanying PhD project on thermo-hydraulic experiments. This close collaboration provides a unique opportunity to connect experimental and numerical research within one integrated programme.

A major focus of the project is the assessment of reactor safety during maritime operating conditions. You will investigate scenarios involving roll, pitch and yaw motions, as well as water ingress events caused by leakage or seawater intrusion.

These scenarios involve strongly coupled phenomena, including reactivity changes, graphite-water interactions and temperature feedback effects. You will develop models to assess both small and large water ingress events and their implications for reactor safety.

You will become part of TU Delft’s nuclear engineering community and collaborate with industrial and academic partners. The project offers opportunities to develop expertise in reactor physics, nuclear safety, multi-physics modelling and advanced energy systems while contributing to the future deployment of microreactors.

Job requirements  

• You hold, or will soon obtain, a Master’s degree in applied physics, mathematics, mechanical engineering or a related field.
• You have a strong interest in physics-based modelling and numerical simulations.
• You have an affinity for translating physical phenomena into computational models.
• Experience or background in nuclear reactor physics is preferred.
• You are interested in reactor safety and transient analysis.
• You enjoy collaborating with experimental and modelling researchers.
• You communicate effectively in spoken and written English.
• You work proactively, analytically and in a structured manner.

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 Applied Sciences 

With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we educate innovative students in broad Bachelor’s and specialist Master’s programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers. 

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences. 

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
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Dr. Danny Lathouwers, associate professor, via  d.lathouwers@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 20 July 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter

Please also upload copies of your university degree, transcripts for your BSc and MSc programmes, your MSc thesis and, if applicable, scientific publications. References may be checked as part of the selection procedure.

You can address your application to Dr. Danny Lathouwers, associate professor.