PhD Position Sulphur Removal in Green Steelmaking

Passionate about sustainable metallurgy? Join The MPRR-section at Technical University Delft in revolutionizing green steelmaking! We're seeking a skilled PhD researcher to optimize sulphur removal and enhance the recyclability of steel.

Job description

A world without steel is unthinkable, yet we need to produce this steel sustainably. Transformation is necessary for the steel sector to continue to remain a key sector of the Dutch economy.

The Metals Production, Refining and Recycling (MPRR) Group at Technical University Delft has joined the National Growth Funding “Groeien met Groen Staal” (GGS)” programme which aims at making the Dutch steel sector circular, CO2-neutral, and high-tech by 2050. This project is positioned in Theme V Recovery. The programme offers an ambitious high-gain challenge that goes beyond what’s state-of-the-art to find greener alternatives to well-established processes and raw materials in the industry.

Join this unique programme, where you can apply your technical knowledge to a project with Tata Steel Netherlands. Imagine designing new processes more sustainable and (cost-)efficient and improving the recyclability of steel. You can help make an impact on society.

The overall goal of the research project is to assist in optimizing the process parameters to reach the desired low-S level for the steel grade produced via the Direct Reduction Plant (DRP) - Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) route. A comprehensive understanding of the underlying reaction mechanisms and the identification of the key limiting factors of the reaction kinetics that play essential roles in sulphur removal is necessary. The main deliverable will be a numerical model based on the reaction mechanism and kinetics for steel desulphurization using the powder injection process. As a PhD in Steelmaking Process Kinetics, you will:

• Provide a comprehensive assessment of sulphur removal.
• Perform lab-scale high-temperature experiments to determine the reaction kinetics of sulphur removal.
• Develop a physicochemical model of a steel desulphurisation.
• Validate the model against pilot-scale experiments.

Metals Production, Refining and Recycling section (MPRR)

You will be part of the Metals Production, Refining, and Recycling 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.

You will have access to two well-equipped pyrometallurgy labs within the MPRR section to study steel processing as well as analytical services within the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE). You will be working alongside scientists from the MPRR group, GGS programme, and Tata Steel Netherlands who are passionate about green steel and sustainability. At MPRR, you'll find an open and friendly environment, with opportunities for professional development and training to successfully develop your academic skills. We do not distinguish between hierarchical levels, and we have a strong collaborative culture. We interact daily and share a drive to strengthen the position of the group as a whole thanks to the growth of each member.

Job requirements

You need to have:

• You have a master’s degree in chemical, metallurgical, or materials engineering.
• A strong interest in sustainable steel processing research.
• You have good knowledge of high-temperature thermodynamics and reaction kinetics.
• Excellent experimental, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Self-driven attitude, creativity and autonomy.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English.
• Agile collaborative skills.

The following will make you stand out:

• Creative, open-minded, and proactive researcher.
• Familiar with high-temperature experimentation and material characterization tools.
• Knowledgeable in pyrometallurgical fundamentals particularly steelmaking technologies.
• Ability to be part of a team and work independently.

The expected start date is June 2025 (but can be earlier, depending on the candidate's availability and immigration procedures); the contract duration is 4 years.

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.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Mechanical Engineering

From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, 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 € 2872 per month in the first year to € 3670 in the fourth year. 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.