"Postdoc Experimental Fluid Dynamics of Microalgae Suspensions"

Job Description

Are you interested in new problems at the interface between fluid dynamics and biology? Are you excited about hands-on experimental work in a multidisciplinary environment? We are looking for an enthusiastic Post Doc candidate to develop new experiments to track microbial life in flows.

Photosynthetic microalgae hold promise for the sustainable production of high-value products, bioplastics, biofuels, and future engineering living materials. Flowing suspensions of living microalgae cells represent a new kind of living fluid that physiologically responds to the environment and flow conditions. New insight into the flow dynamics of these living microalgae suspensions is crucial to model algae blooms or develop new flow technologies for bioreactors.

The postdoc position is available within the project “Flow4Algae”. This experimental project aims to understand the multiscale fluid dynamics of living microalgae suspensions. We are particularly interested in the interplay between flow conditions, cell physiology, and cell growth. Each different project will focus on flow conditions ranging from linear shear flows in microfluidics to weak turbulence. In this project, you will design new multiscale experiments and analytical tools for the different flow regimes. These studies will be conducted in the BioFluids Laboratory in TU Delft and will use the infrastructure in the laboratory, including advanced flow diagnostics (Particle Image Velocimetry, Particle Tracking Velocimetry, and Laser Induced Fluorescence), microscopy (3D tracking multi-view microscopy and Fluorescence), rheology tools, microfluidics, and existing flow dynamics setups.

As a postdoc, you will be part of a vibrant team of researchers working on the project Flow4Algae, with diverse backgrounds and expertise. The group is part of the Process & Energy Department, which thrives to conduct world-class research & education focusing on process & energy technologies for sustainable development.

Job Requirements

We are looking for enthusiastic and inquisitive researchers who want to develop their know-how and experience in a challenging academic environment. The successful candidate should have:

• A PhD degree in a relevant field (Mechanical Engineering, Biophysics, Applied Physics, Bio process technology).
• Must have demonstrated competencies in one or more of these categories: Fluid mechanics, Active/Bio fluids, Experimental Flow diagnostics, Microfluidics, micro algae research.
• Well organized and excellent time management skills.
• Excellent command of English and communication skills.
• An affinity with teaching and guiding PhD and MSc students.
• A proven record and interest in further developing your experimental, modelling, programming, analytical and scientific writing skills.
• The ability to work in a team, take the initiative and be results-oriented.

Conditions of Employment

• Duration of contract is 18 Months Temporary
• A job of 40 hours per week.
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• Flexible working week.
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.

Additional Information

For information about this vacancy, you can contact Dr. Daniel Tam, Associate Professor, email: d.s.w.tam@tudelft.nl. For information about the selection procedure, please contact Ms. Linda Verhaar, HR advisor, email: recruitment-me@tudelft.nl.

Application Procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 1 Mar 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• A cover letter stating your motivation.
• Detailed curriculum vitae (including a list of publications).
• Names of up to three professional referees.
• A summary of your doctoral thesis.
• List of courses and grades at Master and Bachelor level (in English).

You can address your application to Dr. Daniel Tam.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed as they are received. #EUfunded This is an EU funded project, named Flow4Algae, with project number 101045302, within program HE / ERC