Postdoc Researcher on Carburization and Melting Mechanism of H-DRI During REF Process

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.

Job description

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 the MSE department 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 work environment

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, colleagues work closely together in a collaborative culture without rigid hierarchies and with plenty of opportunities for professional and academic development. You will also collaborate with scientists from the GGS programme and Tata Steel Netherlands who are passionate about green steel and sustainability.

Job requirements

We are looking for a self-motivated researcher to help develop 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 closely related field.
• You have sound knowledge of pyrometallurgical fundamentals and are acquainted with ironmaking and steelmaking technologies.
• You have experience with advanced characterization and image analysis tools. In particular, knowledge of SEM-EDS, TEM, and EPMA is a big plus.
• You are familiar with designing and conducting high-temperature experiments and with using furnaces and reacting gases, 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 that are more sustainable and cost-efficient and improving the recyclability of steel. You can help make an impact on society.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 3 years.
• Temporary position.
• 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.
• Support for relocation to the Netherlands through Coming to Delft Service, including information, events, and social network support.
• A Dual Career Programme is available to support an accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional information

The expected start date is September 2026, but can be earlier depending on candidate availability and immigration procedures.