PhD Position Fidelity Nuclear Reactor Modeling and Safety Analysis NL, CD

Contribute to the safety of next‑generation micro nuclear reactors for maritime and land‑based applications. At TU Delft, you will develop advanced multi‑physics models that support the design and safety assessment of innovative reactor concepts. Your simulations will be validated using experimental data generated by a closely connected PhD project.

TU Delft participates in a consortium led by Allseas that is developing a micro High‑Temperature Reactor for maritime and land‑based applications. The reactor is a pebble‑bed HTR designed to provide reliable and safe energy production in challenging environments.

As a PhD candidate, you will develop and integrate high‑fidelity simulation tools for neutron transport, thermo‑hydraulics, computational fluid dynamics and fuel performance. These models will be combined into a multi‑physics framework capable of predicting reactor behaviour during normal operation and transient conditions.

You will validate simulation results using experimental datasets produced by the accompanying PhD project on thermo‑hydraulic experiments. This close collaboration provides a unique opportunity to connect experimental and numerical research within one integrated programme.

A major focus of the project is the assessment of reactor safety during maritime operating conditions. You will investigate scenarios involving roll, pitch and yaw motions, as well as water ingress events caused by leakage or seawater intrusion.

These scenarios involve strongly coupled phenomena, including reactivity changes, graphite‑water interactions and temperature feedback effects. You will develop models to assess both small and large water ingress events and their implications for reactor safety.

You will become part of TU Delft’s nuclear engineering community and collaborate with industrial and academic partners. The project offers opportunities to develop expertise in reactor physics, nuclear safety, multi‑physics modelling and advanced energy systems while contributing to the future deployment of microreactors.

• You hold, or will soon obtain, a Master’s degree in applied physics, mathematics, mechanical engineering or a related field.
• You have a strong interest in physics‑based modelling and numerical simulations.
• You have an affinity for translating physical phenomena into computational models.
• Experience or background in nuclear reactor physics is preferred.
• You are interested in reactor safety and transient analysis.
• You enjoy collaborating with experimental and modelling researchers.
• You communicate effectively in spoken and written English.
• You work proactively, analytically and in a structured manner.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4‑year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1.5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months, followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years assuming performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3,059 - €3,881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a full‑time contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end‑of‑year bonus of 8.3%.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School, which provides an excellent research environment with supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing transferable, discipline‑related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work‑costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.