PhD Position in Sustainable Ironmaking: Hydrogen-based Direct Reduction of Iron Oxides

Help revolutionize one of the world’s most carbon-intensive industries by developing cleaner, hydrogen-based processes for ironmaking. As a PhD researcher at TU Delft, you’ll contribute to breakthrough science within “Growth with Green Steel” - a national research consortium driving the Netherlands’ transition to fossil-free iron production.

PhD Position in Sustainable Ironmaking: Hydrogen-based Direct Reduction of Iron Oxides

Job description

Steel is one of the most critical engineering materials in modern society, significantly enhancing our quality of life through its versatile applications. However, its large-scale primary production is associated with substantial anthropogenic CO2 emissions, contributing approximately 30% of global industrial CO2 emissions and about 7% of global energy consumption. As a result, the steel industry stands among the largest single contributors to global CO2 emissions and faces an urgent decarbonization challenge.

A significant portion, ~75-80% of CO2 emissions, in steel production arises during the reduction of iron ore (ironmaking) in blast furnaces using carbon-based reductants such as coke and coal. To achieve meaningful emissions reductions, fossil-free ironmaking processes are essential. Among emerging solutions, hydrogen-based direct reduction (HyDR) has gained prominence as a leading green ironmaking route, offering the potential to eliminate direct CO2 emissions during iron ore reduction. This PhD position is part of Growth with Green Steel, an exciting and collaborative research programme within the Dutch National Growth Fund, bringing together leading universities, research institutes, and industry partners to accelerate the transition to sustainable iron and steel production.

As a PhD researcher you will:

• Investigate how gangue elements affect the reduction behaviour of iron ore pellets under various process conditions.
• Analyse local elemental partitioning and microstructural evolution of iron ore pellets, and correlate this to overall reduction kinetics.
• Study the carburization behaviour of reduced pellets and its effect on melting performance.
• Apply a multiscale characterization strategy to link microscopic phenomena to macroscopic process outcomes.
• This fundamental research will contribute to optimizing the HyDR process and pellet design, thereby accelerating the decarbonization of the steel industry.

Sustainable Metallurgy Laboratory

You will be part of the Sustainable Metallurgy Laboratory within the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at TU Delft. The lab focuses on the understanding of microstructure formation and evolution in sustainable metal production, processing, and recycling by bridging chemical and physical metallurgy. We develop innovative approaches to produce metals and alloys, optimize material properties, reduce environmental impact, and enhance resource efficiency, driving the transition toward greener metallurgical processes.

You will work in a collaborative and international research environment, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities in the MSE department for process metallurgy and microstructure characterization. You will have the opportunity to develop strong experimental and analytical skills while contributing to the development of sustainable metal production and processing technologies. The lab values open interaction, knowledge sharing, and teamwork, fostering both individual growth and collective scientific excellence. You will also have the opportunities to contribute to the academic community through discussions, the co-supervision of students, and guest lectures.

Job requirements

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic researcher with a strong interest in microstructure development and physical metallurgy. You are curious, creative, and approach scientific challenges with a critical and analytical mindset. With an open and collaborative attitude, you enjoy working in a multidisciplinary and international environment.

Moreover, you need to have:

• A M.Sc. degree in the field of materials science, physics, or chemical engineering
• A solid background in metal science and metal production
• Knowledge in extractive metallurgy, solid-gas reactions, thermodynamics and kinetics is desirable
• Lab experience and skills in materials characterization
• A critical, curious, and creative approach to the research
• The capacity to communicate effectively with peers and students
• An open personality and good communication skills in written and spoken English

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.

Faculty Mechanical Engineering

Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focuses 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 €3059 - €3881 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. Teaching activities are part of your PhD trajectory and may include, for example: supervising workgroups or lab sessions, assisting in courses, or mentoring BSc and MSc students. While teaching will not be your main responsibility, it offers valuable experience that supports your development and prepares you for future academic or professional roles.

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

The expected start date is March 2026.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Ing. Yan Ma, Assistant Professor Email: yan.ma@tudelft.nl.