PhD Position Magnetic Non-destructive Fatigue Assessement of Green Steel Delft • TU Delft

Vacature in het kort

Volledige vacaturetekst

Challenge: Estimate the remaining fatigue life of “green steel”

Change: Improve a magnetic non-destructive testing methodology

Impact: Enhance maintenance strategies and certification 

Job description

Join a cutting-edge research project aimed at advancing our understanding of the endurance of newly developed steel types, produced using innovative, low-carbon production methods. A key concern for the structural integrity of constructions made with these green steels—such as bridges or wind turbine support structures—is their (remaining) resistance to fatigue loading. This project explores how different production techniques affect the fatigue performance of these new steel types. The primary goal is to further develop a novel magnetic non-destructive testing (NDT) method to estimate the remaining fatigue life based on the magnetic field naturally generated by the steel structures in use  without functional disruption. This project will establish a new framework to enhance maintenance strategies and certification.

Key responsibilities:

• Conduct standardised fatigue tests on steel specimens, including base materials and butt-welded connections  monitored by various  technologies (magnetic field, acoustic emission, DIC).
• Further develop a non-destructive testing (NDT) methodology using Metal Magnetic Memory (MMM) to assess fatigue life in situ.
• Establish S-N curves to compare fatigue performance with conventional steel grades.
• Contribute to  a fatigue  database to support new maintenance strategies and certification.
  
  

We are looking for an ambitious PhD candidate to join the exciting and collaborative research project which is a part of the Dutch National Growth Fund program – Grow with Green Steel (). This national initiative brings together industrial and academic partners to  use  sustainable, carbon-free steelmaking solutions in market-driven applications. The project takes a comprehensive approach, examining every stage in the lifecycle of steel : from production and processing to use and recycling. As a PhD candidate, you will work in a stimulating academic environment  together with TU/e and TNO, and collaborate with leading steel producers (Dillinger, Tata Steel).

The Department of Engineering Structures focuses on the development of resilient, smart and sustainable structures and infrastructures. Our aim is to meet societal demands in transportation, the energy transition and sustainable reuse. Research themes include dynamics of structures, mechanics of materials related to e.g. climate change, modelling and design of railway systems, multi-scale modelling of pavement materials and structures, reuse of materials, structures and parts of structures, assessment methods for structures, smart monitoring techniques, design methods, replacement and renovation of civil infrastructure and development of new materials and maintenance techniques. Our unique Macro Mechanics Laboratory facilities support full-scale testing, monitoring and modelling of structures to facilitate implementation of innovations. The department delivers both groundbreaking research and world-class education for undergraduate and graduate students. As a team, we represent different backgrounds, skills and views. We foster an inclusive culture, as our combined identities, attitudes and ambitions widen our perspective and make up our strengths.

Job requirements

• MSc in Civil, Mechanical, or Materials Engineering, or a related field.
• A background in structural mechanics, fatigue analysis, and experiments.
• Interest in advanced sensor technologies.
• Excellent analytical skills, initiative, inventiveness, curiosity, and critical thinking.
• Ability to work with scientific and industrial partners.
• Strong communication skills (high English proficiency), team player in diverse cultural environment.

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 per month in the first year to €3881 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 Peter Meijers, assistant professor, via de button "Solliciteer nu" op deze pagina..    

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy?

Please apply via the application button, no later than 15 September 2025, and upload:

1. CV.
2. Cover/motivation letter explaining your interest and your qualifications for this position, and how your skills match the requirements.
3. MSc degree.
4. 300 words abstract of your MSc thesis.
5. Two selected publications (if any).
6. Contact details of two persons who can provide references.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that you are 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:

If your MSc diploma and transcript are not in Dutch, English, French or German and you will be the selected candidate, the TU Delft will ask you to deliver a certified translation in case you will be appointed.

For information about the application procedure, please contact our secretariat via de button "Solliciteer nu" op deze pagina..

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.