The Project

The projects’ goal is to create versatile basic models that can be used in larger scale models to model optimal material composition and find better process parameters to produce the new green steel of the future. The project results will help to reduce energy and material wastage by providing a more solid foundation for models used to develop new processes.

The two PhD projects are part of a wider consortium: link

General: Within the Production theme, pellets take a basic role at the start of many processes and understanding them better, their material properties as well as the variations thereof, is of ultimate importance for better, cleaner and greener production. This includes the major long-term goal of developing predictive numerical models, i.e. the digital twin, to be used for process development and optimisation. The micro-ingredient are the particles/pellets and their contacts, the main subject of the project(s). During preparation and high-temperature processing, this includes also micro-mechanics like melting and chemical reactions. Every larger scale elementary process (e.g. REF or DRI) model needs this as basic input, as will be developed and tested on the pellet or coarse grain level of a few pellets, to facilitate the larger scale modeling approaches in the consortium.

This is a joint project between the University of Twente and Tata Steel, combining expertise from fundamental science, granular material modeling, software development, calibration, machine learning, and particulate processes with the applied, industrial experience on metallurgy and steel-making processes.

You will work closely together with the other PhD at UTwente, and with several PhDs from TUDelft and TU-Eindhoven, who will be responsible for developing the larger scale model environment, while you will focus on developing the fundamental basic contact- and particle-models, with physical properties (like mechanics, sintering/melting, and chemical reactions) to be accounted for. Together, you will work on creating a comprehensive virtual twin for basic ingredients of these processes, namely pellets and scrap. Supporting this position is an academic team consisting of two PhD supervisors as well as additional academic staff members with expertise that covers particle modeling, programming and basic experimentation, complemented e.g. by partners at Tata Steel with their vast expertise on steel-making, metallurgy, etc.

• You are an enthusiastic and highly motivated researcher.
• You have, or will shortly, acquire a master degree in the field of mechanic, thermal or chemical.
• You have a creative mindset and excellent analytical and communication skills.
• You have a good team spirit and like to work in an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented environment.
• You are proficient in English.
• You have skills in Design of Experiments, model calibration and validation.
• You have strong background in data acquisition and analysis and proficiency in programming (e.g. C++, python,….).
• You have interests in Steel making processes and (metal) material science. Contact and particle modeling in granular or powder systems and in Green processes for a sustainable future.

• A full-time position for four years.
• Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).
• You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 2.901 (first year) to €3.707 ,- (fourth year)
• There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
• A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
• You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision.
• Free access to sports facilities on campus.

Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before January 21, 2025 and include:

• A cover letter (1 to maximum 2 pages A4), emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications, and motivations to apply for this position.
• A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of all courses attended and grades obtained, and, if applicable, a list of publications and references.
• An IELTS-test, Internet TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT), or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE). Applicants with a non-Dutch qualification and who have not had secondary and tertiary education in English can only be admitted with an IELTS-test showing a total band score of at least 6.5, internet. TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT) showing a score of at least 90, or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE).

For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact Stefan Luding (s.luding@utwente.nl)

The first (online) job interviews will take place on the 29th, 30th, or 31st of January 2025.