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 you're 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 high‑quality crops with minimal use of space, water and nutrients. However, ambitious CO₂‑reduction targets and increasing energy costs call for a next generation of CEA systems that are significantly more energy‑efficient while maintaining—or enhancing—crop quality and yield.
A key factor in achieving this is the microclimate surrounding the crop. This PhD project focuses on gaining in‑depth 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, energy‑efficient 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:
- Development of parameterizations for the vegetation impact on the microclimate and vice versa, in a greenhouse/vertical farm.
- 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 prof.dr.ir. Twan van Hooff (full professor with specialization in building ventilation flows) and dr.ir. 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 master’s 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 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. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881).
- 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.
- Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus 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 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.
Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech 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.
Sustainability, in its broadest definition, is the cornerstone of research and education in the Department of Built Environment. We take the lead in (re)shaping the built environment to be future-proof, safe, healthy, inclusive and respectful of planetary boundaries. We house the entire spectrum of technology, engineering, design, and human behavior disciplines in the built environment, with world-class experimental facilities at all scales. This allows us to address societal challenges from a uniquely integrated perspective.
Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager prof.dr.ir. T.A.J. van Hooff, full professor, [email protected].
Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact Scott Jacops, HR Advisor BE, [email protected].
Curious to hear more about what it’s 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.
Type of employment: Temporary position
Contract type: Full time
Salary: Scale P
Number of positions: 1
Full-time equivalent: 1.0 FTE
City: Eindhoven
County: Noord-Brabant
Country: Netherlands
Reference number: 2026/276
Published: 2026-05-07
Last application date: 2026-06-07
