In the Process Technology Group, research is conducted on various fundamental and applied topics relevant for process industry. The main themes are studied both by numerical simulation and by dedicated validation experiments. This is also the case for the phase-transitional flows of the project described below, which is studied in collaboration with the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering.

Tasks

The processes of Chemical Vapor Deposition and Atomic Layer Deposition are vital for the fabrication of e.g. computer chips and solar cells. In both processes, fluids need to be evaporated with a chemical composition that becomes unstable above a certain temperature. This temperature can only be avoided by keeping the operating pressure and therefore the pressure drop low in the miniature evaporator. With new so-called contactless boiling techniques this can be achieved. In contactful boiling, on the other hand, the liquid rises through a porous wall by capillarity and evaporates on top in a gas flow passing by. Because of the complementary character of contactless and contactful boiling, both are studied in the present project.

In this project, funded by the Dutch Technology Foundation and a consortium of national and international industries, three PhD students and a post-doc will collaborate to study boiling and evaporation in miniature ducts. One of the PhD students will carry out experiments with advanced measuring techniques in two test set-ups, while two other PhD students will focus on numerical modeling. The present vacancy concerns the experimental work.

The main tasks of the experimental PhD student will be the design and commission of two test set-ups, the further development of measuring techniques, performing validation experiments, analysis of data and assessment of scaling rules.

Job requirements

We are looking for a candidate with an MSc-degree in Applied Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Process Technology or equivalent with a strong interest and preferably experience in experimentation. Creativity and a strong drive to physically explain phenomena are important. The candidate should have excellent communication skills in English and good cooperative skills and should be capable and willing to work in a multidisciplinary team together with theoreticians. Drive, initiative and self-reliance are important qualities as well.

Conditions of employment

We offer:

• A challenging job at a dynamic and ambitious niversity and in an enthusiastic team.
• An appointment forfour years.
• Gross monthly salaries are in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement of the Dutch Universities (CAO NU), increasing from € 2125 per month initially, to € 2717 in the fourth year.
• An attractive package of fringe benefits, including excellent work facilities, end of the year allowance and sport facilities.