PhD in Printing of Complex Fluids

About the Role

Are you passionate about understanding complex, multicomponent fluid flows at the microscale and at very high speeds? Do you thrive on pushing technology innovation to the next level? This PhD position at Wageningen University & Research invites you to explore the physics of inkjet printing of complex fluids.

Inkjet printing has expanded far beyond graphics: it is now used to fabricate contact lenses, dental implants, electronic circuit boards, solar panels, 3D rapid prototypes, and even to print DNA and proteins. These advanced applications demand extreme reliability—a single misplaced droplet can render a product useless. The challenge is to generate droplets just a few microns in size from highly complex fluids at rates up to 10,000 droplets per second, while maintaining constant volume and impact velocity.

This project investigates the physicochemical hydrodynamics governing the jetting behaviour of multicomponent fluids (containing miscible liquids, surfactants, polymers, and colloidal pigment particles) immediately after droplet creation. Using ultra-high-speed experimental imaging and numerical simulations, you will study how impurities, density–pressure gradient misalignment, and vorticity lead to meniscus distortions, bubble pinch-off, and satellite droplets that degrade print quality. The goal is to gain a deep quantitative understanding of these phenomena to enable next-generation printing technologies.

Your Responsibilities

• Work within a larger interdisciplinary team of researchers.
• Design, build, and conduct experiments using high-speed imaging and custom instrumentation.
• Develop and validate numerical models of fluid flow and droplet formation.
• Analyse data, interpret results, and communicate findings to experts in related fields.
• Collaborate closely with a postdoctoral researcher (to be hired) and co-supervisors.

Requirements

• A strong passion for understanding fundamental physical processes in dispersions and fluid flow, especially at high speeds.
• Experience with microscopy, particularly high-speed imaging.
• Ability to develop, design, and build custom experimental setups and models.
• Flexibility to work in a team within a well-equipped laboratory.
• Excellent command of English (C1 level); an internationally recognised English proficiency certificate may be required.

What We Offer

• A fully funded PhD position with a tailored course programme.
• Gross salary: €3,059 per month in the first year, rising to €3,881 in the fourth year (CAO-NU scale P, full-time 38 hours/week).
• Temporary contract for 18 months, extended for the project duration upon positive performance.
• Excellent pension scheme and additional benefits under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• An international, open working environment on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands.
• Support for international employees: visa application assistance, advice on housing, banking, dual career programmes, and schooling. Certain categories of international staff may qualify for a partial tax exemption for the first five years.
• Opportunities for personal development and internal mobility within the organisation.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the official Wageningen University & Research vacancy page (only applications received through their website will be considered). Please prepare a single PDF (max. 3 pages total) containing a motivation letter. Additional documents such as grades or transcripts are not required at this stage and will not be considered. The application deadline is July 27, 2026.

For more information about the position, contact Assistant Professor Uddalok Sen ([email protected]). For procedural questions, contact Corporate Recruiter Evelien Janssen ([email protected]).

Your Working Environment

You will be embedded in the Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter chair group (led by Prof. Jasper van der Gucht) and join the Physics of Soft Matter (PhySM) team. Daily supervision will be provided by Dr. Uddalok Sen, supported by Dr. Thomas Kodger. Wageningen University & Research is a leading life-sciences institution with approximately 7,600 employees and 13,100 students, working on solutions for healthy food and a sustainable living environment.

Wageningen University & Research values diversity and inclusion. We strive to create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated.

Original vacancy