PhD Position Unravelling Hydrogen-Induced Degradation and Fracture in Circular Steels

PhD Position Unravelling Hydrogen-Induced Degradation and Fracture in Circular Steels — Join a cutting-edge research programme at TU Delft and investigate the mechanisms of hydrogen-induced degradation in circular steels.

• Hours per week: 36-40
• FTE: 1,0
• Location associated with the role: TU Delft; relocation to the Netherlands may be required.

Job description

Within this project, you will investigate one of the key challenges facing the hydrogen economy: understanding how hydrogen interacts with the complex microstructures of circular steels and causes degradation and failure. This position is part of the project "Circularity as Opportunity: Engineering Hydrogen-Resistant Circular Steels (CIRHY)", a 6-year research and innovation programme developing next-generation circular steels that can safely operate in hydrogen environments. By combining advanced experiments with multiscale modelling, CIRHY aims to enable reliable and sustainable steels for future hydrogen infrastructure and industry.

Hydrogen embrittlement is one of the major barriers to the safe deployment of hydrogen technologies. At the same time, increasing steel circularity introduces microstructural complexity through tramp elements, precipitates, inclusions and segregation phenomena. While considerable progress has been made in understanding hydrogen embrittlement in conventional steels, the mechanisms governing hydrogen-induced degradation and fracture in compositionally complex circular steels remain poorly understood.

The Extreme Materials and Mechanics Group at TU Delft, led by Prof. Vera Popovich, is internationally recognized for its expertise in hydrogen embrittlement, fracture mechanics and advanced characterization of metallic materials. By combining state-of-the-art microscopy, hydrogen testing and fracture mechanics, the group develops fundamental understanding of material degradation in extreme environments and translates this knowledge into solutions for the energy transition.

Within this position, you will combine advanced microstructural characterization, in-situ hydrogen mechanical testing and fracture toughness experiments to uncover how hydrogen interacts with circular steel microstructures and affects deformation, ductility, crack initiation and crack propagation. You will investigate hydrogen trapping and transport, identify the microstructural features controlling embrittlement and establish quantitative links between microstructure and structural performance. The outcome of this research, conducted in close collaboration with Tata Steel and other partners, will provide crucial experimental insights for designing safer and more reliable hydrogen-resistant circular steels.

In this role, you will develop fundamental insights into the mechanisms governing hydrogen-induced degradation and failure of circular steels. As a PhD researcher, you will:

• Perform advanced 3D microstructural characterization of circular steels, focusing on segregation of tramp elements to precipitates, inclusions, interfaces, voids and dislocations.
• Investigate the influence of hydrogen on deformation behaviour and ductility through in-situ hydrogen mechanical testing.
• Quantify hydrogen transport, trapping and interaction with microstructural defects using advanced characterization techniques.
• Conduct in-situ hydrogen fracture toughness testing to identify crack initiation and propagation mechanisms.
• Collaborate closely with researchers from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at TU Delft, University of Groningen, Eindhoven University of Technology, University of Twente, KU Leuven, MPI for Sustainable Materials and multiple industrial partners.
• Contribute to scientific publications, conference presentations and dissemination activities within the M2i framework.

Job requirements

We are looking for a highly motivated and curious researcher with a strong interest in materials degradation, hydrogen embrittlement and advanced experimental characterization. You enjoy working at the intersection of materials science, mechanics and microscopy, and are excited to contribute to the development of sustainable materials for the hydrogen economy.

You are an independent thinker, eager to learn new experimental techniques, and enjoy collaborating with researchers from different disciplines as well as industrial partners.

Furthermore, you meet the following requirements:

• You hold a Master's degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, Metallurgy, or a closely related discipline.
• You have a strong background in physical metallurgy, materials characterization, fracture mechanics, mechanical behaviour of materials, or a related field.
• Experience with one or more advanced characterization techniques such as SEM, EBSD, TEM, XRD, SIMS or related methods is highly desirable.
• Experience with mechanical testing, fracture mechanics, hydrogen embrittlement research or materials degradation is an advantage but not mandatory.
• You have strong analytical and problem-solving skills and enjoy combining experimental observations with scientific interpretation.
• You have a strong academic track record, demonstrated by excellent study results and/or research experience.
• You are enthusiastic about working in a multidisciplinary academic and industrial consortium.
• You have excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

Faculty Mechanical Engineering

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.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3204 - €4051 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

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

The expected start date is 11th January 2027 (but can be earlier, depending on the candidate availability and immigration procedures); contract duration is 4 years.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis.

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.