PhD Position High Fidelity Nuclear Reactor Modeling and Safety Analysis (Nuclear Engineering)

TL;DR

PhD Position High Fidelity Nuclear Reactor Modeling and Safety Analysis (Nuclear Engineering): Developing advanced multi-physics models for next-generation micro nuclear reactors with an accent on neutron transport, thermo-hydraulics, and fuel performance. Focus on predicting reactor behavior during transients and assessing safety under maritime conditions, including water ingress and motion scenarios.

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

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

Company

hirify.global is a renowned international university focusing on pioneering research and education in energy, climate, and advanced engineering solutions.

What you will do

• Develop and integrate high-fidelity simulation tools for neutron transport, thermo-hydraulics, CFD, and fuel performance.
• Combine simulation models into a multi-physics framework to predict reactor behavior during normal operation and transient conditions.
• Validate numerical results using experimental datasets generated by associated PhD research projects.
• Assess reactor safety under maritime operating conditions, investigating roll, pitch, and yaw motions.
• Analyze the implications of water ingress events, including reactivity changes and graphite-water interactions.

Requirements

• Master's degree in applied physics, mathematics, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
• Strong interest and affinity for physics-based modelling and translating physical phenomena into computational models.
• Background or experience in nuclear reactor physics (preferred).
• Interest in reactor safety and transient analysis.
• English: High proficiency required for academic communication, courses, and thesis writing.
• Location: Must be able to relocate to the Netherlands.

Culture & Benefits

• 4-year employment period structured as two consecutive contracts.
• Salary progression from first to fourth year, plus 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• Enrolment in the hirify.global Graduate School with access to a Doctoral Education Programme.
• Customisable compensation package, health insurance discounts, and monthly work cost contributions.
• Flexible work schedules and comprehensive relocation support via the Coming to Delft Service.
• Dual Career Programme to support partners with job searches in the Netherlands.