Two PhD candidate positions are available in the Corrosion Technology and Electrochemistry group of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (http://www.mse.tudelft.nl) of TU Delft.  The PhD candidates will work in the framework of a national project, ThinCorr, in which TU Delft (The Netherlands), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Belgium), Tata Steel Europe (The Netherlands), SKF (The Netherlands) and ArcelorMittal Global (Belgium) are the participants forming the consortium.

The understanding and capability to predict corrosion under atmospheric conditions are currently quite limited due to the experimental limitations and the lack of theoretical models that consider the actual electrochemistry and the presence of variable electrolyte layer thicknesses on the complex metal surface structure.

The aim of the ThinCorr project is to achieve an in-depth understanding of atmospheric corrosion processes and a reliable prediction thereof. The project will deliver improved experimental setups to measure corrosion and models using finite electrolyte layers to study and describe the corrosion mechanism of steel alloys under thin-film electrolytes representing atmospheric conditions and during accelerated corrosion tests.  The accurate and representative corrosion testing and modelling will enable industrial end-users to efficiently steer and improve their material development and selection programs.

The two PhD candidate positions (1 & 2) will focus on the experimental part of the project. Their work will be closely complemented by a post-doc researcher at Vrije Universiteit  Brussels, focusing on the modelling of the atmospheric corrosion mechanism.

In position 1, the PhD candidate will focus on the investigation of the atmospheric corrosion mechanism on steel alloys under controlled thin electrolyte films. In this part, the following tasks will be tackled:

1. design of electrochemical set-up that allows measurement under dynamic electrolyte thickness
2. implementation of non-invasive sensors to elucidate the chemical changes at the metal-electrolyte interface during the corrosion
3. electrochemical and surface characterisation of the steel alloys under thin-film electrolyte conditions, in order to elucidate the corrosion mechanism.

In position 2, the PhD candidate will focus on monitoring the corrosion activity of steel alloys and environmental conditions during the accelerated corrosion test.

1. design and implantation of non-invasive chemical and electrochemical sensors in order to monitor the process inside the accelerated chamber
2. elucidate the corrosion mechanism of the alloys under these tests
3. validation of the results by already existing technology.

We are searching for two enthusiastic PhD candidates with the following qualifications:

• have an MSc in a relevant field, such as corrosion science, electrochemistry and/or materials science
• have proven experience with corrosion and/or electrochemistry
• critical and creative approach to the research is essential. An “academic attitude” is required: excellent analytical and experimental skills, perseverance taking initiative, curiosity and critical thinking about the research approach and about the results.
• Have excellent communication skills, and want to work in an international, multidisciplinary and academic-industrial team
• Communication skills must include excellent spoken and written English.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit www.tudelft.nl/phd for more information.

TU Delft creates equal opportunities and encourages women to apply.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

https://www.tudelft.nl

Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

The 3mE Faculty trains committed engineering students, PhD candidates and post-doctoral researchers in ground-breaking scientific research in the fields of mechanical, maritime and materials engineering. 3mE is the epitome of a dynamic, innovative faculty, with an international scope that contributes to demonstrable economic and social benefits. 

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering aims to provide internationally recognized, high-quality materials research of benefit to industry and society, addressing material lifecycle, structure and functionality from a physics-based perspective, and to furnish graduates and post-graduates with a top-level education in materials science and engineering, preparing them to meet existing and future technological and societal challenges. With a focus on metals, the aim is to develop materials with optimum performance and low environmental footprint.

https://www.tudelft.nl/en/3me