Vacancies

Job description

In this PhD project, you will combine theoretical and numerical modeling to fill a persistent gap in our understanding of the mechanics of soft solids. 

When you twist a solid cylinder, its height spontaneously changes. This is one example of shear dilatancy, a well known but poorly understood nonlinear effect in solid mechanics. Shear dilatancy occurs in numerous types of soft matter, including gels, grains, pastes, and foams. Despite this ubiquity, we cannot reliably predict the amplitude or even the sign of the effect – most materials expand, but some contract. The fundamental and unresolved challenge is to identify a necessary and sufficient set of physical mechanisms responsible for shear dilatancy in soft solids.

Recent experiments revealed that concentrated emulsions possess a rare property – they can be tuned to display positive or negative shear dilatancy. These systems are therefore uniquely suited to test hypotheses on the origins of shear dilatancy. In this project, you will use pen-and-paper modeling in continuum mechanics, together with molecular dynamics simulations of attractive emulsions, to perform these tests.

As a PhD candidate at TU Delft, you will conduct original scientific research, report your results in international publications and presentations, and write and defend a PhD thesis within 4 years. You will also have the opportunity to mentor BSc and MSc students and co-supervise their thesis projects. Your will be supervised by Dr. Brian Tighe, an expert in the mechanics of soft solids and complex fluids. 

Requirements

We seek a student with a passion for fundamental research who is driven primarily by scientific curiosity.

The successful candidate will hold an MSc degree in physics or mechanical engineering. Demonstrated proficiency in computer simulations using LAMMPS or similar is essential. Knowledge of continuum solid mechanics is a plus, but can also be developed during the project. Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English are required. We strongly encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.

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.

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 € 2872 per month in the first year to € 3670 in the fourth year. 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.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

Read more and apply online!