PhD Researcher (Experimental Physics)

TL;DR

PhD Researcher (Experimental Physics): Conducting experimental research on thermal-hydraulics for micro High-Temperature Reactors with an accent on passive heat removal and reactor behavior under maritime conditions. Focus on designing and operating non-nuclear experimental facilities to generate validated datasets for safety analysis and model validation.

Location: Must be based in or be able to relocate to Delft, Netherlands

Salary: €3,059–€3,881 gross per month

Company

hirify.global is a leading technical university dedicated to pioneering research and education in engineering, energy, and sustainable technology.

What you will do

• Design, build, and operate non-nuclear experimental facilities for pebble-bed reactor concepts.
• Investigate heat transfer, natural convection, and boiling phenomena under various vessel orientations.
• Study the impact of ship motions like roll, pitch, and heave on reactor behavior.
• Generate high-quality experimental datasets to support reactor safety assessment and model validation.
• Collaborate within an interdisciplinary consortium and with a second PhD researcher.
• Participate in the hirify.global Graduate School and doctoral education programmes.

Requirements

• Master's degree in applied physics, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
• Strong interest in experimental research and laboratory work.
• Background in thermal hydraulics, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer.
• Effective communication skills in spoken and written English.
• Ability to work proactively and collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Willingness to relocate to the Netherlands if required.

Culture & Benefits

• 4-year employment contract with a structured progress assessment.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and international research networks.
• Support for relocation and dual career programmes for partners.
• Flexible work schedules and a customisable compensation package.
• Enrollment in the Doctoral Education Programme for professional development.

Hiring process

• Submission of CV, motivational letter, and academic transcripts.
• Risk assessment regarding knowledge security during final stages.
• Obligatory exemption application from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science.