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PhD Position Effect of Tramp Elements in Martensitic Stainless Steels

Effect of Tramp Elements effect of tramp elements in martensitic stainless steels

Job description

As the steel industry moves towards a more sustainable future, increasing the use of recycled scrap is becoming essential. However, recycled steel often contains residual alloying elements that are difficult to remove and are carried over into newly produced steels. These so-called “tramp elements” or impurities can significantly affect steel quality, causing issues ranging from surface cracking during processing to the formation of undesirable phases in the final microstructure.

This challenge is particularly relevant for martensitic stainless steels, a technologically important class of materials whose outstanding properties depend on a carefully controlled microstructure. Understanding how impurity elements influence these steels is therefore critical for enabling a circular and resource-efficient steel industry.

In this PhD project, you will investigate which impurity elements are most critical for martensitic stainless steels, where they originate from, and how they accumulate throughout recycling loops. Combining advanced characterization, materials science, and metallurgical insight, you will explore how these elements affect microstructure evolution, processing behaviour, and ultimately material performance. Where possible, strategies to mitigate their negative effects will also be examined.

The project offers an exciting opportunity to address a fundamental scientific challenge with direct industrial relevance. By improving our understanding of impurities in recycled steels, you will contribute to the development of more sustainable steel production routes while helping to unlock higher recycled content without compromising quality or performance.

We are looking for an ambitious PhD-researcher to join this project. As a PhD-researcher, you will work in a stimulating academic environment and collaborate with leading industrial partners. You will also have the opportunity to contribute to the academic community through discussions, the co-supervision of students, and guest lectures.

Job requirements

We seek an outstanding, motivated and enthusiastic researcher with experience in microstructure development in metals and physical metallurgy. Applicant must:

• hold an MSc-degree in the field of materials science or related disciplines, such as solid-state physics or materials engineering, with a solid background in metal science.
• have experience with microstructural characterization.
• have a critical, curious, and creative approach to the research, with excellent problem-solving skills and communication skills.
• have proven experience in writing scientific reports.
• have the motivation to work in an international, multidisciplinary, and academic-industrial team.
• be willing to participate in educational activities such as guest lectures.
• have proven excellent written and spoken English skills.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference. 

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. 

These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future. 

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. 

Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward. 

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 €3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.  

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 Prof. Dr. Maria J. Santofimia (M.J.SantofimiaNavarro@tudelft.nl).

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

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 23 August 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• Your letter of motivation.
• Your Curriculum Vitae.
• The transcripts of your bachelor and master studies.

You can address your application to Prof. Dr. Maria J. Santofimia.

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.
• 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.

Faculty/Department:  Faculty of Mechanical Engineering

Salary range:  €3059 - €3881

Hours per week:  36-40

FTE:  0,9-1,0

Submission is possible until:  23 Aug 2026

ID job:  3648

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