PhD Position in Nuclear Power Flexibility at TU Delft

Can nuclear and renewable energy coexist? In light of Europe and the Netherlands' commitment to achieving a CO2-neutral economy by 2050, significant investments have been made in large-scale wind and solar energy. While these sources contribute to decarbonization, they also present challenges such as grid congestion due to their intermittent nature. This necessitates careful grid management. Traditionally, gas power plants have been used to stabilize the grid, but their reliance on natural gas poses a challenge to decarbonization. Thus, the question arises: what alternative technologies can alleviate grid congestion?

Small modular reactors (SMRs), defined as nuclear reactors with a capacity below 300 MWe, may provide a flexible solution to this issue. With lower inertia compared to large nuclear plants, SMRs are better suited for load-following applications. However, their ramp rates are still limited compared to other technologies. This project aims to enhance the ramp rates of SMRs through innovative design of power cycles and the integration of thermal energy storage.

In this thesis project, you will focus on designing advanced power cycles for SMRs, with or without energy storage, to improve load-following capabilities. You will utilize numerical techniques to couple transient power cycle modeling with nuclear reactor modeling, analyzing the feedback to the reactor. Various load-following scenarios will be simulated to determine feasible enhanced ramp rates. You will receive guidance from an expert supervisory team throughout your PhD journey. Given the rapid growth of the Dutch nuclear industry and the government's commitment to expanding nuclear energy, your findings could significantly influence the future of the Dutch nuclear landscape.

Your Working Environment

You will be part of the Process & Energy (P&E) department at TU Delft’s Mechanical Engineering faculty, which focuses on Energy, Flow, and Processes. Collaborating with top researchers skilled in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics, you will also engage with colleagues from the Reactor Institute Delft. Opportunities for professional development through technical and non-technical courses will be available. As a PhD candidate, you are expected to lead interactions and collaborations with other researchers at TU Delft, as well as with research groups from other universities and industry stakeholders.

Job Requirements

We are looking for a candidate with:

Significant experience in thermodynamic system modeling, particularly transient modeling (e.g., heat pumps or power cycles). An interest in nuclear energy is a plus.

Additionally, we expect you to have:

A Master’s degree in physics, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
A strong affinity for thermodynamics and transport equations.
A keen interest in the future roles of the nuclear industry in society.
A strong interest in transient modeling and analysis.
Good communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary environment.

For this vacancy, a knowledge embargo exemption is required. Please visit the following website for more information: https://www.government.nl/themes/education/secondary-vocational-education-mbo-and-tertiary-higher-education/exemption-certain-engineering-or-nuclear-related-courses-of-study

About TU Delft

Working at TU Delft means contributing to impactful solutions. For over 180 years, we have trained engineers who make a difference globally in various sectors, including government and entrepreneurship. Our alumni transform knowledge into practical solutions for contemporary challenges.

We focus daily on rapidly changing issues such as energy, climate, digitalization, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility, ensuring our education and research align with societal needs.

At TU Delft, our people are our greatest asset. Their knowledge and curiosity enable us to provide high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have opportunities to take initiative, collaborate, and grow professionally within an international community of professionals and students.

Faculty of Mechanical Engineering

From chip to ship, machine to human, and idea to solution, our faculty is driven by a desire to understand our environment and its mechanisms. Research and education at the ME faculty emphasize fundamental understanding, design, production, and application improvements, focusing on materials, processes, and (mechanical) systems.

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. Our versatility allows us to forge unique connections by integrating various disciplines, reflected in our outstanding education that trains responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We aim to translate our knowledge into solutions for societal issues, contributing to sustainability and prosperity.

Conditions of Employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a four-year employment contract, initially for 1.5 years, with a progress assessment after 15 months. If performance requirements are met, the contract will be extended for an additional 2.5 years. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, starting from €3204 to €4051 gross per month, increasing over the four years based on a full-time contract (38 hours), plus an 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 inspiring research environment with excellent supervision, academic staff, and mentorship. The Doctoral Education Programme focuses on developing transferable, discipline-related, and research skills. TU Delft offers a customizable compensation package, health insurance discounts, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

If you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this position, TU Delft is dedicated to facilitating your transition. The Coming to Delft Service provides information to assist with your move and organizes events to help you settle in and expand your network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is also available to support your partner in their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional Information

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Ir. Jurriaan Peeters (j.w.r.peeters@tudelft.nl).

Application Procedure

If you are interested in this position, please apply by 15 November 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

CV
Motivational letter

Address your application to Dr. Ir. Jurriaan Peeters.

A certain level of English proficiency is required for this PhD position to ensure effective communication, participation in English-taught courses, and writing scientific articles and a thesis. For further details, please refer to the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Please note:

Applications must be submitted online; we will not process applications sent by email or post.
As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment process to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. This assessment is based on information provided by candidates, including their motivation letter and CV, and occurs at the final stages of the selection process. Candidates will be informed if the outcome is negative. The processing of personal data in relation to the risk assessment is conducted under the GDPR, performing a public task in the public interest. More information about this assessment can be found on our knowledge security website.
Applying for an exemption for specific research and educational areas is a mandatory part of the selection procedure for this vacancy. This exemption must be obtained from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) before an employment contract is finalized. Click here for more information.

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