PhD on ‘Flexibility in Electrified Industrial processes’

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering department conducts world-class research aligned with the technological interests of the high-tech industry in the Netherlands, with a focus on the Brainport region. Our goal is to produce engineers who are both scientifically educated and application-driven by providing a balanced education and research program that combines fundamental and application aspects. We equip our graduates with practical and theoretical expertise, preparing them optimally for future challenges.

Introduction

We’re seeking a motivated PhD researcher to help drive the electrification of industrial heat. Join leading researchers and industry partners in developing novel flexibility strategies across Europe.

Job Description

This research project is part of the DEFLAME project. As a PhD researcher in the DEFLAME project, you’ll play a key role in revolutionizing the European process industry by driving the electrification of industrial heat. A key aspect of electrification of industry using variable renewable electricity from solar and wind, is to allow for flexibility in the industrial demand.

In this PhD position, you will explore different flexibility options in electrified industrial processes, aiming to develop a merit order. This encompasses multiple aspects, such as:

• An inventory of the technical and economic characteristics of flexibility options at different timescales, such as hybrid heating by e-boilers/heat pumps/vapor recompression, heat storage (both above ground and underground), electricity storage, flexibilization of processes by installing controllable excess capacity,
• Combining the options above into integrated flexibility solutions for the different types of process industries (e.g. chemical, steel, non-metallic minerals, food processing) and assess associated costs and barriers for each of the identified flexibility solutions,
• Integrate the solutions in a dynamic system model (e.g. building on system models already existing in TU/e, TU Delft or TNO).
• Construct the merit order for flexibility at different timescales and for different industrial processes based on dynamic modelling.

Your research will provide critical insights for industrial stakeholders, policymakers and energy system operators on what flexibility options are needed. This will increase the share of fluctuating renewables, support renewable energy integration into the power system, and increase competitiveness of European and Dutch industries.

The position is in the Energy Technology Group of the Department of Mechanical Engineering of Eindhoven University of Technology. Your work is part of the DEFLAME project, which aims to overcome challenges in the electrification of industrial heat. We focus on electrification of industrial processes using proven, efficient technologies. You’ll collaborate closely with leading industry players, energy system operators, and research institutions. Our partners include: AtlasCopco, Cosun, Delft University of Technology, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), ISPT, Nobian, Oranje Wind Power II C.V./RWE, Smart Port, Stedin, Tennet, and TNO.

We expect that you will take the lead in interacting and collaborating with other researchers at the TU/e, and other universities, and with industry and other stakeholders. Since this PhD project is a cooperation between the TU/e and TNO, it is likely that your PhD will also partly be carried out at TNO.

Job Requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Mechanical Engineering, Energy Science, Electrical Engineering or related field.
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Solid programming skills for data analysis and system modelling.
• Strong analytical and systems-thinking abilities.
• Passion for the energy transition and its multidisciplinary challenges (technology, economics, and policy).
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you: 

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment. 
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 2,901 max. € 3,707).  
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%. 
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process. 
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.  
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates. 

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Herbert Zondag ([email protected]).

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact [email protected].

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.