Summary
TU Delft is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join Team Dey within the Computational Materials Science section. The project focuses on enabling liquid copper infiltration-resistant steels for a circular economy. In this role, you will investigate how silicon suppresses liquid copper infiltration (LCI) at the atomic scale by utilizing Density Functional Theory (DFT)-accurate machine-learned interatomic potentials (MLIP) and Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations, working closely with top European research institutes and leading steel industry partners.
Postdoc: Predicting & Mitigating Liquid Copper Infiltration in Steels via Atomistic Simulations
Key Information Overview
| Attribute | Details |
| Position / Designation | Postdoctoral Researcher (Postdoc) |
| Job ID | 3723 |
| Institution | Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) |
| Faculty / Department | Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (ME) / Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) |
| Research Group | Team Dey, Computational Materials Science section |
| Location | Delft, South Holland, Netherlands (2628 CD) |
| Employment Type | Full-time / Part-time (36–40 hours per week / 0.9–1.0 FTE) |
| Contract Duration | Temporary, 3 years |
| Salary Range | €3,706 – €5,760 gross per month (per Dutch Universities CLA) |
| Application Deadline | 21 September 2026 |
| Expected Start Date | December 2026 (earlier start possible depending on availability/visa) |
Research Area
- Computational Materials Science & Metallurgy
- Atomistic & Molecular Dynamics (MD) Simulations
- Density Functional Theory (DFT) & Machine-Learned Interatomic Potentials (MLIP)
- Sustainable & Circular Steelmaking / Green Steel Technologies
- Grain Boundary Segregation, Interfacial Phenomena, and Liquid Metal Embrittlement
Location
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering,
Delft, 2628 CD, The Netherlands
Eligibility & Qualifications
- Education: A PhD degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or a closely related discipline.
- Technical Expertise:
- Strong background in atomistic and molecular simulation techniques (DFT, MD, ab initio MD).
- Proven experience in developing Machine Learning Interatomic Potentials (MLIPs).
- Capability to model phenomena such as grain boundary site competition, segregation, and intermetallic phase formation.
- Research Track Record: Demonstrated research productivity via first-author publications in peer-reviewed international journals and presentations at major conferences.
- Communication & Collaboration: Excellent written and spoken English proficiency, with a collaborative mindset suited for cross-institutional academic and industrial partnerships.
Job Description & Responsibilities
In this role, you will investigate the atomic-scale mechanisms of Liquid Copper Infiltration (LCI) in scrap-recycled and green steels and identify how silicon acts as an inhibitor:
- Perform Molecular Dynamics (MD) Simulations: Study copper segregation, wetting, and embrittlement at steel grain boundaries and oxide interfaces.
- Develop ML Potentials: Construct DFT-accurate Machine-Learned Interatomic Potentials (MLIP) for complex multi-component steel systems.
- Unravel Inhibitory Mechanisms: Explore site competition between Cu and Si, as well as the formation of Cu–Si intermetallic phases that mitigate cracking.
- Collaborate Internationally: Work alongside experimentalists and project partners, including:
- Leibniz-Institut für Werkstofforientierte Technologien (IWT)
- Thyssenkrupp Steel Europe AG
- University of Oulu (Oulun yliopisto)
- Ovako Sweden AB
- Disseminate Research: Publish findings in high-impact scientific journals, deliver conference presentations, and contribute to research proposals.
Benefits & Conditions of Employment
- Salary structured under the Collective Labour Agreement (CAO) for Dutch Universities (€3,706 – €5,760 gross/month).
- ABP pension scheme and options for health insurance discounts.
- 232 holiday hours per year (based on a 38-hour workweek) with flexible individual choice budgets.
- Relocation assistance via the Coming to Delft Service and partner career support via the Dual Career Programme.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the TU Delft Careers Portal. Applications sent by email or standard post will not be processed.
Required Documents (addressed to Poulumi Dey):
- Cover Letter: Describing your motivation and qualifications for the position (maximum 1 page).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- PhD Thesis Abstract.
- Publication Samples: Copies of up to two relevant journal or conference publications.
- Contact for Inquiries: Poulumi Dey (
p.dey@tudelft.nl) - Selection Timeline:
- Application update: Week of September 28, 2026
- Round 1 Interviews: Week of October 5, 2026
- Round 2 Interviews: Week of October 12, 2026
Last Date to Apply
21 September 2026
