PhD Position Microclimate Adaptive Grid CFD Modeling (CFD)

TL;DR

PhD Position Microclimate Adaptive Grid CFD Modeling (CFD): Developing multi-scale CFD models to optimize greenhouse microclimates for crops with an accent on adaptive grids and plant-climate interactions. Focus on implementing geometric plant models, studying turbulence, and developing conceptual resistance analogies for greenhouse-scale models.

Location: Must relocate to the Netherlands (Delft)

Salary: €3,059 - €3,881 gross per month

Company

hirify.global is a world-leading technical university dedicated to training engineers and conducting pioneering research to solve global challenges in energy, climate, and digitalization.

What you will do

• Develop multi-scale CFD models, from leaf-to-plant scale (2D/3D) to full greenhouse or vertical farm scale using porous media models.
• Implement geometric idealized plant models to study the impact of airflows on turbulence and aerodynamic resistance.
• Extend CFD models to include mass fluxes of CO2 and water vapor and analyze source and sink terms from vegetation.
• Develop conceptual representations using resistance analogies to transfer findings to multi-layer greenhouse-scale models.
• Collaborate with a team of PhD researchers, postdocs, and industry partners in the horticulture sector.

Requirements

• MSc in applied physics, atmospheric science, or a related field.
• Proven project or thesis experience with complex CFD simulations.
• Ability to work productively in interdisciplinary teams.
• Good command of written and spoken English.
• Required to relocate to the Netherlands.

Culture & Benefits

• 4-year employment period split into two contracts with a progress assessment.
• Salary based on the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, including an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• Customizable compensation package, health insurance discounts, and monthly work costs contribution.
• Comprehensive relocation support via the Coming to Delft Service, including a Dual Career Programme for partners.
• Professional development through the hirify.global Graduate School's Doctoral Education Programme.
• Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Hiring process

• Submission of CV and motivational letter via the online application portal.
• Knowledge security risk assessment conducted during the final stages of recruitment.