Delft University of Technology
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PhD Position 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 under Dutch university collective labour agreement. Salary ranges from €3204 to €4051 gross per month from year 1 to year 4 based on a full-time 38-hour contract, plus 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus. Includes TU Delft Graduate School support, customizable compensation package, health insurance discounts, and monthly work costs contribution.
Deadline
Oct 30, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Delft University of Technology
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About this position
TU Delft is recruiting for a PhD position on hydrogen-induced degradation and fracture in circular steels within the Circularity as Opportunity: Engineering Hydrogen-Resistant Circular Steels (CIRHY) programme. This project addresses a major challenge for the hydrogen economy: how hydrogen interacts with complex steel microstructures and leads to embrittlement, degradation, and failure.
The research is hosted by the Extreme Materials and Mechanics Group at Delft University of Technology, led by Prof. Vera Popovich. The group works on hydrogen embrittlement, fracture mechanics, and advanced characterization of metallic materials, combining microscopy, hydrogen testing, and mechanics to understand material degradation in extreme environments.
As a PhD researcher, you will perform advanced 3D microstructural characterization, in-situ hydrogen mechanical testing, hydrogen transport and trapping analysis, and in-situ hydrogen fracture toughness experiments. The goal is to reveal how hydrogen affects deformation, ductility, crack initiation, crack propagation, and overall structural performance in circular steels containing tramp elements, precipitates, inclusions, voids, and segregation features.
This position is especially relevant for candidates with a background in materials science, mechanical engineering, physics, applied physics, or metallurgy. Experience with SEM, EBSD, TEM, XRD, SIMS, fracture mechanics, mechanical testing, or hydrogen embrittlement is highly desirable. A strong academic record and excellent English communication skills are required.
The position is a 4-year PhD appointment at TU Delft with a full-time salary of €3204 to €4051 gross per month, plus holiday allowance and year-end bonus. The work is embedded in a multidisciplinary consortium involving TU Delft, the University of Groningen, Eindhoven University of Technology, University of Twente, KU Leuven, MPI for Sustainable Materials, Tata Steel, and other partners.
The application deadline is 30 October 2026. Apply online with a cover letter, CV, and any relevant publications. The expected start date is 11 January 2027, with interviews scheduled in late November 2026.
Funding details
Doctoral employment for 4 years under Dutch university collective labour agreement. Salary ranges from €3204 to €4051 gross per month from year 1 to year 4 based on a full-time 38-hour contract, plus 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus. Includes TU Delft Graduate School support, customizable compensation package, health insurance discounts, and monthly work costs contribution.
What's required
Applicants should 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 characterization techniques is highly desirable. Experience with mechanical testing, fracture mechanics, hydrogen embrittlement research or materials degradation is an advantage but not mandatory. Candidates should have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, a strong academic track record, enthusiasm for multidisciplinary academic and industrial collaboration, and excellent written and verbal English skills.
How to apply
Apply online via the application button by 30 October 2026. Upload a cover letter describing your motivation and qualifications, your CV, and copies of any journal or conference publications if available. Address the application to Prof. Vera Popovich; do not send applications by email or post.
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Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.