PhD Position - Multiscale Insights into Emulsion Stability
Job description
Plant proteins are gaining substantial interest as sustainable and clean-label ingredients in foods. One of the key applications is to stabilize emulsions. Plant proteins, like other proteins, form complex dynamic interfacial structures that give rise to interfacial stresses. How these interfacial properties affect the multiphase flow behaviour (coalescence, break-up) under real processing conditions is largely oversimplified in scientific models and industrial practice. This project focuses on how plant proteins and their interfacially active components affect droplet coalescence to enable more reliable formulation and processing of plant-based emulsions.
This project aims to develop an experimental framework to understand and predict the flow behaviour and stability of protein-stabilized emulsions. Advanced experimental techniques will be used including microfluidic tools and and a dynamic thin film balance, to unravel the complex fluid mechanics that govern emulsion stability. You will link key physicochemical parameters (temperature, pH and flow rate) to emulsion behavior via dimensionless analysis to generate stability maps. Ultimately, the experimental insights will be used to enrich theoretical coalescence models.
This is a joint research project between Delft University of Technology (TU Delft, host institution) and Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), and the experimental work and supervision will be split between the two institutions.
As a PhD candidate, you conduct original scientific research (mainly experimental), report on this research in international publications and presentations, and present the results of your work in a PhD thesis within 4 years. As a PhD candidate, you will receive the training you need to develop yourself in multiple areas.
Job requirements
- We seek a self-motivated, curiosity-driven researcher who is capable of managing a collaborative research project between TU Delft and TU/e.
- The ideal candidate holds an MSc degree in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, Chemical Engineering, Food Technology or a closely related field.
- Demonstrated proficiency in experimental work and interest in fluid mechanics are essential.
- Basic knowledge of mathematical modelling is a plus.
- Furthermore, you have excellent communication skills in English, both written and oral.
TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
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 Mechanical Engineering
From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.
ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It's a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME's outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.
to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.
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 per month in the first year to €3881 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.
Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.
Additional information
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Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than
30 September 2025
via the application button and upload the following documents:- CV
- Motivational letter
Doing a PhD at TU