Join TU Delft’s contribution to the “Groeien met Groen Staal (GGS)” programme and help drive the transition to CO₂-neutral steelmaking. As a postdoctoral researcher, you will uncover the atomistic mechanisms behind carburization, wetting and graphitization of carbonaceous materials, in close collaboration with Tata Steel Netherlands.
At TU Delft, you will contribute to a transformative national initiative: “Groeien met Groen Staal (GGS)” programme. The project aims to advance green steel production via hydrogen-based direct reduced iron (H-DRI). Within this ambitious project, you will focus on the atomistic mechanisms governing carburization, wetting and catalytic graphitization of carbonaceous materials. Using advanced atomistic modelling techniques, you will unravel iron-carbon interactions at the electronic and atomic scale delivering insights directly relevant to the sustainable steelmaking route.
Team Dey within the Computational Materials Science section at TU Delft is actively involved in Theme II: Production within the GGS programme. This initiative pushes beyond current state-of-the-art technologies, exploring alternatives to conventional blast furnace (BF) and basic oxygen furnace (BOF) routes. A promising pathway combines hydrogen-based direct reduction (DR) with reduced electric furnace technologies (REF) and the BOF. Within this context, this position focuses on understanding the atomistic mechanisms that underpin these processes, providing fundamental insights into carbon behaviour, interfacial interactions and material transformations that are essential for optimising next-generation steelmaking routes.
Where experimental work within the project focuses on process development and validation, this position addresses the underlying governing atomistic mechanisms. A critical factor in the REF route is the role of carbon, particularly in relation to graphitization, wetting behaviour and interfacial interactions. Understanding these processes at the atomistic level is essential to control carburization and the melting phenomena. Your work will provide the theoretical foundation that supports and complements experimental efforts within the GGS programme.
Your responsibilities
In this role, you will develop fundamental insights into the atomistic mechanisms governing carburization, wetting and graphitization of carbonaceous materials in relation to H-DRI. As a postdoctoral researcher, you will:
- Perform atomistic simulations to obtain insights into the electronic structure of carbonaceous materials
- Perform atomistic simulations to study the graphitization mechanisms of carbonaceous materials
- Perform atomistic simulations to investigate carburization and the wetting behaviour at carbon–iron interfaces
- Collaborate closely with researchers within department MSE, the GGS programme and Tata Steel Netherlands to connect modelling insights with process development
- Contribute to scientific publications, conference presentations and the development of new research proposals in the field of green steel
Your work environment
You will be part of Team Dey within the Computational Materials Science section at TU Delft. This team focuses on atomistic simulations to investigate materials for sustainable energy, with proven expertise in hydrogen embrittlement, hydrogen storage and the behaviour of carbon-based materials such as graphene. Your project on the atomistic mechanisms of carburization, wetting and graphitization aligns with the team's broader interest in metal–carbon interactions and its commitment to computation-guided design for green technologies including steel production.
You will collaborate closely with researchers from the GGS programme, including experimental teams and partners such as Tata Steel Netherlands. The Computational Materials Science section offers a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment, where researchers work across disciplines and scales, with ample opportunities for scientific development and impact.
Job requirements
We are looking for a self-motivated researcher to help develop new technologies for green steel production. You are independent but also a good team player and are willing to cooperate closely with other researchers and our industry partners.
Furthermore, you meet the following requirements:
- You hold a PhD degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or a closely related discipline.
- You have sound knowledge in interfacial reactions phenomena. Prior knowledge in pyrometallurgical fundamentals (including thermodynamics and reaction kinetics) as well as in ironmaking and steelmaking technologies is a bonus.
- You have a strong expertise in atomistic and molecular simulation techniques (density functional theory, molecular dynamics, ab initio molecular dynamics), including experience with development of machine learning interatomic potentials, and can apply these to elucidate mechanisms governing wetting behavior, carburization and the mechanistic pathways of graphitization in carbon-based materials.
- You have a strong track record in scientific research, as evident from publications in peer-reviewed international journals and conference participation.
- You have excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
Join this unique programme, where you can apply your technical knowledge to a project with Tata Steel Netherlands. Imagine designing new processes more sustainable and (cost-)efficient and improving the recyclability of steel. You can help make an impact on society!
TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.
At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.
Challenge. Change. Impact!
Faculty Mechanical Engineering
From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.
ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.
Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.
Conditions of employment
- Duration of contract is 3 years. Temporary.
- A job of 38-40 hours per week.
- Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
- An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
- The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
- Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
- Flexible working week.
- Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
- Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
- Partially paid parental leave
- Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.
Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands. .
Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Poulumi Dey, via p.dey@tudelft.nl.
The expected start date is September 2026 (but can be earlier, depending on the candidate availability and immigration procedures); contract duration is 3 years. You will receive an update on the outcome of your application in the week of 15th of June 2026. The first interviews are scheduled for the week of 22nd of June 2026, followed by a second interview round in the week of 29th of June 2026.
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 7 June 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:
- A cover letter in which you describe your motivation and specific qualifications for this position (max 1 page).
- Your CV
- Abstract of your PhD thesis.
- Copies of two journal/conference publications (if applicable).
You can address your application to Poulumi Dey.
Please note:
- You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
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