Take on the challenge of investigating cryogenic two-phase flows to enable reliable hydrogen distribution and sustainable aviation, as a PhD candidate at TU Delft.

Job description

Hydrogen is one of the most promising energy carriers and fuels for future sustainable aviation. As it flows from storage to the engine, the cryogenic liquid evaporates, creating a two-phase mixture that affects hydrogen distribution, as well as active components along the line, such as heat exchangers and valves.

Understanding and predicting the hydrogen flow and thermal behaviour is essential before such systems can be deployed.

As a PhD candidate in the Propulsion & Power group at TU Delft, you will tackle this challenge through advanced experimental and analytical investigations, focusing on how two-phase flow develops along cryogenics distribution lines.

The project is primarily experimental. You will help commission a new cryogenic test facility that is currently being developed in collaboration with the team, and run advanced experiments for investigating cryogenics two-phase flow. A second objective is to build cryogenic sensors for heat and flow measurements, in collaboration with the Von Karman Institute (VKI, Belgium).

You will join the Propulsion & Power group, that combines expertise in thermodynamics, heat transfer and turbomachinery. Your supervisors will guide you while giving you the room to shape your own research, and you will get the support and training you need to grow as an independent researcher.

Job requirements

You are driven by the wish to understand physical phenomena, reasoning from first principles, and connecting your measurements back to the underlying mechanisms. You are happy to share knowledge and collaborate within an international team and visiting external partners for extended periods (up to few months).

To be considered, you will have:

• An MSc in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a closely related field.
• Strong foundations in thermodynamics , fluid mechanics and heat transfer.
• An aptitude for experimental work, shown by hands-on involvement in building or running test setups.
• A very good spoken and written English.
• Experience in two-phase flow and heat transfer experiments and/or modelling is highly valued.

Faculty Aerospace Engineering

The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is a leading international community where innovation in aerospace meets global challenges. Our support and scientific staff, including PhD candidates, postdocs, and students, largely work together on three main themes: the energy transition, sustainable aerospace, and safety and security, with the aim of tackling climate change and contributing to the independence and security of Europe.

When you join us, you become part of a diverse, collaborative, and forward-thinking environment where your ideas and perspectives are valued. Our work extends beyond the lab—into field labs, innovation hubs, and partnerships with other faculties, research institutes, governments, and industry, both locally and globally.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming workplace, assisted by an active Diversity & Inclusion team. This includes tangible support such as funding for extra personnel for family and caregiving responsibilities, mentoring programmes, and initiatives that promote cultural exchange and integration.

You don’t just join our faculty — you join a community where you can thrive, grow, and help shape the future of aerospace.

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

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. Chiara Falsetti, via c.falsetti@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 10 August 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter (1 page)
• Copies of your BSc and MSc degrees and transcripts

You can address your application to Dr. Chiara Falsetti.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

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.