Join TU Delft’s contribution to the “Groeien met Groen Staal (GGS)” programme and accelerate the transition to CO₂-neutral steelmaking. As a postdoctoral researcher, in collaboration with Tata Steel Netherlands you will develop innovative carburization and melting strategies for hydrogen-based DRI under REF operating conditions.
At TU Delft, you will contribute to a transformative national initiative: the “Groeien met Groen Staal (GGS)” programme. Within this ambitious project, you will play a key role in advancing hydrogen-based steelmaking by addressing one of its central challenges: how to efficiently carburize and melt H-DRI in reduced electric furnace (REF) operations. Working at the forefront of sustainable metallurgy, you will combine experimental research and fundamental insights to unlock new process routes that support a circular and CO₂-neutral steel industry by 2050.
The Metals Production, Refining and Recycling (MPRR) group 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 disruptive alternatives to conventional blast furnace (BF) and basic oxygen furnace (BOF) routes. A promising pathway involves hydrogen-based direct reduction (DRP) combined with REF and BOF, offering significant potential to reduce emissions while maintaining steel quality and process efficiency.
A critical factor in this transition is the role of carbon. In the REF+BOF route, carbon is essential for refining hot metal and controlling the melting behaviour of iron-bearing materials. However, hydrogen-based DRI lacks intrinsic carbon, making controlled carburization during melting indispensable. Understanding how carbon influences phase transitions, and how it can be effectively introduced into the system is central to this research.
Your responsibilities
In this role, you will develop fundamental and practical insights into the carburization and melting behaviour of H-DRI in REF operations, contributing to the advancement of green steelmaking within the GGS programme. As a postdoctoral researcher, you will:
- Explore carbonaceous materials that can be used in the REF process
- Evaluate the graphitization degree of carbonaceous materials and select those suitable for laboratory-scale experiments
- Design and perform lab-scale experiments to determine the wetting behaviour between selected carbonaceous materials and complex iron systems
- Design and perform lab-scale experiments to investigate the carburization and melting behaviour of complex iron
- Collaborate with researchers within department MSE and Tata Steel Netherlands, contributing to joint research activities and knowledge exchange.
- Contribute to scientific publications, conference presentations, and the development of new research proposals in the field of green steel.
Your workenvironment
You will be part of the Metals Production, Refining and Recycling (MPRR) section at TU Delft, where cutting-edge research is conducted to optimize resource efficiency and reduce environmental impacts in metal industries. The MPRR research team specializes in the elucidation of reaction mechanisms and kinetics using experimental studies and process modelling and simulation. The team bridges fundamental science with practical, real-world applications, contributing to circular economy innovations. At MPRR, we work closely every day to strengthen the group through each member’s growth, fostering a collaborative culture without rigid hierarchies and plenty of opportunities for professional and academic development. You’ll also collaborate with scientists from the GGS programme, and Tata Steel Netherlands; colleagues passionate about green steel and sustainability.
We are looking for a self-motivated researcher to help developing new technologies for green steel production. You are able to work independently while also collaborating effectively with colleagues and industry partners, and are willing to engage in a multidisciplinary research environment.
Furthermore, you meet the following requirements:
- You hold a PhD degree in chemical, metallurgical or materials engineering, or a closey related field.
- You have sound knowledge in pyrometallurgical fundamentals, and are acquainted with ironmaking and steelmaking technologies.
- You have experienced with advanced characterization and image analysis tools. Particularly, a knowledge on the following tools; SEM-EDS, TEM, and EPMA is a big plus.
- You are familiar with designing and conducting high temperature experiments and are familiar with using furnaces and reacting gases (in particularly O2, H2, CO/CO2 and natural gas).
- You have excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- You have a strong track record in scientific research, as evident from publications in international peer-reviewed journals and conference participation.
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 Neslihan Dogan, via n.d.dogan@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 Neslihan Dogan.
Please note:
- You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
- As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
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