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Delft University of Technology

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PhD in Hydrogen-Induced Degradation and Fracture in Circular Steels Delft University of Technology in Netherlands

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Mechanical Engineering

Funding

Doctoral employment for 4 years in principle, split into an initial 1.5-year contract with a go/no-go assessment and a subsequent 2.5-year contract if performance is satisfactory. Salary ranges from €3204 to €4051 gross per month over the four years for a full-time 38-hour contract, plus 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus. TU Delft also offers a customizable compensation package, health insurance discounts, and a monthly work costs contribution.

Deadline

Oct 30, 2026

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Country

Netherlands

University

Delft University of Technology

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Keywords

Mechanical Engineering
Material Characterization
Fracture Mechanics

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About this position

PhD position at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the Extreme Materials and Mechanics Group led by Prof. Vera Popovich.

This project focuses on hydrogen-induced degradation and fracture in circular steels, a key challenge for the hydrogen economy. The research is part of the CIRHY programme, which aims to develop hydrogen-resistant circular steels for safe use in hydrogen environments.

You will combine advanced microstructural characterization, in-situ hydrogen mechanical testing, fracture toughness experiments, and multiscale modelling to study hydrogen trapping, transport, crack initiation, crack propagation, ductility loss, and microstructure-property relationships in complex steels.

The work is highly interdisciplinary and involves collaboration with TU Delft colleagues, the University of Groningen, Eindhoven University of Technology, University of Twente, KU Leuven, MPI for Sustainable Materials, Tata Steel, and other industrial partners.

Eligibility highlights: a Master’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, Metallurgy, or a closely related field; strong background in physical metallurgy, materials characterization, fracture mechanics, or mechanical behaviour of materials; experience with SEM, EBSD, TEM, XRD, SIMS, or related methods is desirable; English proficiency is required.

Funding: 4-year doctoral employment, salary €3204–€4051 gross/month plus holiday allowance and end-of-year bonus.

Deadline: 30 October 2026. Start date expected 11 January 2027, possibly earlier depending on availability and immigration procedures.

How to apply: submit the application online via AcademicTransfer, including a cover letter, CV, and any relevant publications. Applications by email or post will not be processed.

Funding details

Doctoral employment for 4 years in principle, split into an initial 1.5-year contract with a go/no-go assessment and a subsequent 2.5-year contract if performance is satisfactory. Salary ranges from €3204 to €4051 gross per month over the four years for a full-time 38-hour contract, plus 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus. TU Delft also offers a customizable compensation package, health insurance discounts, and a monthly work costs contribution.

What's required

Applicants must hold a Master's degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, Metallurgy, or a closely related discipline. A strong background in physical metallurgy, materials characterization, fracture mechanics, mechanical behaviour of materials, or a related field is required. Experience with SEM, EBSD, TEM, XRD, SIMS or similar techniques is highly desirable; experience with mechanical testing, fracture mechanics, hydrogen embrittlement research, or materials degradation is an advantage. Candidates should have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, a strong academic track record, enthusiasm for multidisciplinary academic-industrial collaboration, and excellent written and verbal English communication skills.

How to apply

Apply online via the application button on the TU Delft/AcademicTransfer page by 30 October 2026. Upload a cover letter, CV, and copies of any journal or conference publications. Address the application to Prof. Vera Popovich and do not send applications by email or post.

More information can be found here

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