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

PhD Position- Sustainable ironmaking with hydrogen

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 total global emissions. 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, ~80-90% 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 project aims to investigate the reduction behavior of iron ore pellets under varying process conditions, with a particular focus on how these conditions and pellet properties influence the resulting direct reduced iron (DRI). Special attention will be given to understanding reduction kinetics and their correlation with the microstructural evolution of iron ore pellets. A multiscale characterization strategy will be employed to achieve these objectives. This fundamental research will contribute to optimizing the HyDR process and pellet design, thereby accelerating the decarbonization of the steel industry.

We are seeking an ambitious PhD researcher to join the exciting and collaborative research project part of the HELIOS Doctoral Network (https://helios-dn.eu). As a PhD candidate, you will work in a stimulating academic environment and collaborate with leading industrial partners. 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 seek an outstanding, motivated, enthusiastic researcher with experience in microstructure development in metals and physical metallurgy. The successful candidate has the following qualifications:

• A M.Sc. degree in the field of materials science.
• A solid background in metal science and phase transformation.
• 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. 

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. 

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

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.  

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

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr.-Ing. Yan Ma. Email: y.m.ma@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 5 August 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• Your letter of motivation.

• Your Curriculum Vitae.

• The transcripts of your bachelor and master studies.

• Contact information of two references.

For information about the application procedure, please contact Mrs. Anita van Vianen, email: recruitment-me@tudelft.nl.

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. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements. 

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.