PhD Position Equilibrium Behavior of Tramp Elements for Green Steel Production

Location: Delft and collaboration with Tata Steel IJmuiden; relocation to the Netherlands is expected where needed.

Salary: €3,204–€4,051 gross per month, increasing from the first to the fourth year under the Dutch Universities Collective Labour Agreement.

Company

hirify.global is an international research university focused on engineering, energy transition, sustainability, and applied scientific innovation.

What you will do

• Design and conduct high-temperature equilibrium experiments on tramp element partitioning between steel, slag, and vapor phases.
• Analyse samples using techniques including LA-ICP-MS, SEM/EDS, and electron microscopy.
• Develop and interpret thermodynamic datasets for EAF and REF steelmaking conditions.
• Integrate experimental results into FACTSage-based thermochemical models for process simulation and optimisation.
• Collaborate with hirify.global researchers, Tata Steel R&D, and academic partners.
• Communicate findings through technical reports and scientific publications.

Requirements

• MSc degree in Experimental Petrology, Materials Science, Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, Geoscience, or a closely related field.
• Strong interest in thermodynamics, high-temperature processes, and experimental research.
• Affinity with or experience in laboratory work and materials characterisation techniques such as SEM and ICP-MS.
• Basic knowledge of thermodynamic modelling or willingness to learn tools such as FACTSage.
• Analytical mindset, strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Good written and spoken English is required for communication, doctoral education, publications, and the thesis.

Culture & Benefits

• Four-year doctoral employment in principle, structured as an initial 1.5-year contract followed by a 2.5-year contract subject to a go/no-go assessment and performance requirements.
• Full-time employment based on 38 hours per week, with flexible work schedules available.
• 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• Membership in the hirify.global Graduate School with supervisors, academic staff, mentoring, and a doctoral education programme.
• Customisable compensation package, health insurance discounts, and a monthly work-cost contribution.
• Relocation support through Coming to Delft Service, settling-in events, and a Dual Career Programme for accompanying partners.

Hiring process

• Apply online by 5 September 2026 with a CV and motivational letter.
• Final-stage recruitment includes a knowledge-security risk assessment.