Postdoc Sustainable Iron Production by Electrowinning

Job description

Join the Materials Production, Refining and Recycling (MPRR) group in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) at TU Delft and contribute to sustainable iron making. In this project, you will perform fundamental study on the relationship between electrowinning processing conditions and the deposited iron properties. The study will include:

• Development and optimization of the electrode interface
• Laboratory-scale experiments to investigate redox kinetics and iron deposition mechanism
• Material characterization of cathodically deposited iron
• Process optimization and energy efficicency calcuations
• Contribution to techno-economic analysis and sustainability assessment
• Dissemination of knowledge through scientific publications, conferences, and education

Background

The production of iron and steel is among the most emission-intensive industrial processes worldwide, with a strong dependence on fossil fuels such as coke. Conventional blast furnaces are difficult to shut down and require high investments in maintenance and energy, which slows the transition to cleaner technologies. At the same time, societal and policy pressure is increasing to reduce emissions, make production processes more sustainable, and preserve employment and the strategic position of these industries within the Dutch economy.

Within this context, there is a need for alternative, electrically driven routes that are flexible, scalable, and fossil-free. This project develops an electrochemical process for iron extraction from iron ore that operates at low temperature and offers prospects for application in more sustainable and future-proof forms of iron production.

Job requirements

We are seeking a proactive, self-motivated candidate with a strong background in electrochemistry and experimental skills. Candidates should meet the following requirements:

• PhD degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in electrochemistry and materials characterization. Solid understanding of chemical reactions and electrochemistry.
• Strong communication skills in English, including proficiency in scientific writing (reports, papers) and technical presentations.
• A critical and creative approach to research is essential.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and willingness to collaborate with project partners, including academic and industry stakeholders.

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 

• Duration of contract is 1,5 years Temporary
• A job of 36-40 hours per week. 
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP. 
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year. 
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages. 
• Flexible working week. 
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget. 
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses. 
• Partially paid parental leave 
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program. 

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. Shoshan Abrahami, S.T.Abrahami@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 5 January 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

•  A cover (motivation) letter

• A detailed CV

• A copy or link to your PhD thesis or selected papers

• Contact details of 2-3 references

You can address your application to Dr. Shoshan Abrahami.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.