Postdoc Predicting & Mitigating Liquid Copper Infiltration in Steels via Atomistic Simulations

Join TU Delft and help enable liquid copper infiltration-resistant steels for a circular economy. As a postdoctoral researcher, you will unravel how silicon suppresses liquid copper infiltration at the atomic scale, using density functional theory-accurate machine-learned potentials and molecular dynamics simulations, in close collaboration with leading European research institutes and steel industry partners.

Job description

At TU Delft, you will contribute to a transformative research initiative focused on sustainable steel production. This project addresses a critical and growing challenge in metallurgy: liquid copper infiltration (LCI) in copper-contaminated steels, leading to cracking during steel processing. While LCI is a known issue in conventional steel recycling, it becomes especially critical in the context of green steel production, where increased reliance on recycled scrap and electric arc furnace (EAF)-based routes promotes copper accumulation in steel, creating conditions that favour subsequent copper-induced embrittlement.

Within the Computational Materials Science section at TU Delft, Team Dey is actively engaged in developing fundamental understanding for next-generation circular steelmaking. Using advanced atomistic modelling techniques, you will unravel the atomic-scale competition between copper and silicon at grain boundaries and oxide interfaces, delivering atomistic insights directly relevant to improving the recyclability and processability of both conventional and green steels. Where experimental work within the project focuses on process development and validation, this position addresses the underlying governing atomistic mechanisms.

Within this position, you will employ molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate the underlying atomistic mechanisms of LCI in steel grain boundaries and the inhibitory role of silicon. Your MD-based approach will elucidate how silicon disrupts copper wetting and diffusion. A central aspect of this project is the development of a Density Functional Theory (DFT)-accurate machine-learned interatomic potential (MLIP) for the multi-component steel system of interest. Ultimately, this simulation-driven framework will allow reliable identification of new thresholds for copper content and the corresponding optimum silicon concentrations, thereby supporting the development of more robust recyclable steels.

Your responsibilities

In this role, you will develop fundamental insights into the atomistic mechanisms governing LCI at steel grain boundaries and the inhibitory role of silicon in copper-contaminated steels. As a postdoctoral researcher, you will:

1. Perform molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to obtain atomic-scale insights into copper segregation, wetting and embrittlement at grain boundaries in steels.
2. Develop a Density Functional Theory (DFT)-accurate machine-learned interatomic potential (MLIP), enabling predictive MD simulations capable of resolving atomic-scale LCI mechanisms with near-DFT accuracy.
3. Investigate how silicon suppresses LCI, including its effects on grain boundary site competition and the formation of copper-silicon intermetallic phases.
4. Collaborate closely with researchers within department MSE as well as with project partners including Leibniz-Institut Für Werkstofforientierte Technologien (IWT), Thyssenkrupp Steel Europe AG, Oulun Yliopisto and Ovako Sweden AB, to connect modelling insights with process development and alloy design.
5. Contribute to scientific publications, conference presentations and the development of new research proposals in the field of sustainable and circular steelmaking.

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 liquid copper infiltration (LCI) in steels and the inhibitory role of silicon aligns with the team's broader interest in metal–impurity interactions, interfacial phenomena and computation-guided design for green and circular steel production.

You will collaborate closely with researchers from the broader research programme, including experimental teams and key partners such as Leibniz-Institut Für Werkstofforientierte Technologien (IWT), Oulun Yliopisto, Thyssenkrupp Steel Europe AG and Ovako Sweden AB. 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 atomistic insights and simulation tools for enabling LCI-resistant steels. You are independent but also a good team player and are willing to cooperate closely with other researchers and 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 strong expertise in atomistic and molecular simulation techniques (density functional theory, molecular dynamics, ab initio molecular dynamics) and in developing machine learning interatomic potentials, and can apply these to uncover atomistic mechanisms relevant to LCI mitigation, such as copper–silicon competition at grain boundaries and copper trapping by the formation of intermetallic phases.
• 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 collaborate with leading European research institutes and steel industries. Imagine enabling the safe use of recycled scrap in green steel production and improving the circularity of steel. You can help make an impact on a more sustainable future.

TU Delft

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional in an international community of professionals and students.

Faculty Mechanical Engineering

The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering offers a dynamic and innovative environment with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. Its research and education focus on fundamental understanding, design, production, materials, processes and mechanical systems, with strong interdisciplinary collaboration and opportunities to connect disciplines and contribute to sustainable societal solutions.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 3 years. Temporary.
• 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.

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