PhD in microclimate modeling and optimization for greenhouses and vertical farms using CFD

Introduction

Ready to shape sustainable food production Help optimize indoor climates in advanced CEA facilities cut the carbon footprint of food production and boost crop quality and yields. If youre a CFD expert eager to make impact join us!

Job Description

We are shaping the future of controlled environment agriculture (CEA). CEA offers unique opportunities to produce highquality crops with minimal use of space water and nutrients. However ambitious CO₂reduction targets and increasing energy costs call for a next generation of CEA systems that are significantly more energyefficient while maintainingor enhancingcrop quality and yield.

A key factor in achieving this is the microclimate surrounding the crop. This PhD project focuses on gaining indepth understanding of the complex crop microclimate in CEA systems and translating this knowledge into innovative climate control strategies. The goal is to supply plants with exactly what they need when they need it and no more. Through this research you will contribute directly to the transition toward sustainable energyefficient CEA systems of the future.

We offer a PhD position (4-year contract) within the GreenControl project; a project in collaboration with Wageningen University TU Delft Twente University and a large number of stakeholders from industry and society that will start second half of 2026.

You will investigate the optimization of the crop microclimate in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) systems with the objective of advancing climate control strategies. Particular emphasis will be placed on airflow dynamics and coupled heat and mass transfer processes within CEA facilities. To this end you will apply and further develop computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling approaches to quantitatively analyze and predict microclimatic conditions.

In this project you will be working on the following aspects within GreenControl:

1. Development of parameterizations for the vegetation impact on the microclimate and vice versa in a greenhouse/vertical farm.
2. Application of developed CFD models to assess the effects of climate control strategies on air mixing heat and mass fluxes (CO2 water vapor) from the vegetation.

The project will take place in the Building Physics research group under supervision of . Twan van Hooff (full professor with specialization in building ventilation flows) and . Thijs van Druenen (researcher with specialization in building aerodynamics). The project has links with other past and ongoing projects within the research group. The Building Physics research group is one of the six research groups in the Unit Building Physics and Services of the Department of the Built Environment.

Job Requirements

• A masters degree (or an equivalent university degree)in building or applied physics/civil/mechanical engineering or related disciplines with a background and an interest in airflow modeling
• A research-oriented attitude.
• 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 IELTS: 7.0 score or TOEFL: 90 score.

Any of the following could be considered an advantage and should be mentioned in the motivation letter:

• Previous experience/affinity with airflow modeling using CFD and/or measurements.
• Previous experience with studies on controlled environment agriculture
• Previous publications and scientific communications
  
  

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 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. 3059 - max. 3881).
• 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 childrens day care and sports facilities.
• Unlimited access to the modern oncampus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• 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.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us

We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13000 students and more than 7000 staff forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven a worldleading tech region with more than 7000 hightech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI photonics semiconductors and advanced manufacturing Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more Please contact the hiring . T.A.J. van Hooff full professor .

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contactScott Jacops HR Advisor BE .

Curious to hear more about what its like as a PhD candidate at TU/e Please view the video.

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. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.
• Proof of proficiency in English language (see job requirements)

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

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.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.