Use artificial intelligence to detect corrosion before it becomes critical. In collaboration with the Netherlands Defence Academy, you will develop AI-driven monitoring methods that help ensure the safe operation and longevity of military systems.Job descriptionCorrosion is a hidden threat to the safety and reliability of critical defence systems. Undetected material degradation can compromise performance, increase maintenance costs and, in the worst case, lead to system failure. Detecting corrosion early and predicting the remaining lifetime of materials is therefore essential for the safe operation of military equipment.
In this PhD project at TU Delft, you will combine corrosion science with artificial intelligence to develop data-driven methods for detecting localized corrosion. Working closely with the Netherlands Defence Academy, you will translate fundamental research into practical monitoring solutions for real military systems.
Localized corrosion under coatings is often difficult to detect visually. Electrochemical Noise (EN) measurements enable early detection and continuous monitoring, but their effectiveness depends on advanced data analysis. Currently, identifying corrosion signatures in EN data requires manual interpretation by experts. By developing AI and machine learning (AI/ML) models, you will help automate this process and improve the detection and quantification of corrosion phenomena.
Your responsibilities As a PhD researcher, you will:
- Determine the discrimination ability required to classify and quantify corrosion phenomena, such as differences and similarities in data between crevice- and different forms of pitting corrosion.
- Investigate which types of AI/ML models can meet these requirements.
- (Further) develop and optimize suitable AI/ML models.
- Define the requirements for the training data used in the AI/ML models, including data type, quantity, and the number of corrosion classes.
- Perform laboratory experiments to validate corrosion classification and quantification for representative corrosion types found in military systems.
- Validate the developed models using field data from operational military systems.
Your work environment You will join the
Corrosion Technology and Electrochemistry (CTE) group within the Department of
Materials Science and Engineering at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. The CTE group is a dynamic team of PhD candidates, postdocs and faculty members working on corrosion processes, electrochemical sensors and electrocatalysts. By combining advanced electrochemical methods, materials synthesis and surface analysis techniques, we develop fundamental knowledge and translate it into practical and sustainable solutions for energy and materials applications. In this project, you will work in close collaboration with the Netherlands Defence Academy, bridging academic research and real-world defence challenges.
You will have access to well-equipped laboratories with advanced facilities for high-resolution electrochemical analysis and surface characterisation, including
scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM),
scanning Kelvin probe (SKP), and
atomic force microscopy (AFM). At CTE, you’ll find an open and collaborative environment where interdisciplinary teamwork, curiosity, and scientific excellence are valued. We work closely across disciplines such as metallurgy, surface science and electrochemistry, sharing a drive to grow together and make meaningful impact through innovative research.
Job requirements You are a curious and proactive researcher who enjoys combining experimental work with data-driven approaches. You like developing creative solutions to complex scientific problems and take initiative in exploring new ideas. You work well independently but also thrive in a collaborative environment. As a team player with strong interpersonal skills, you contribute positively to a diverse research group.
Furthermore, you meet the following requirements:
- You hold an MSc degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
- You have experience with, or a strong affinity for, Data Science techniques.
- You demonstrate excellent analytical and critical thinking skills, combined with curiosity and diligence.
- You are comfortable collaborating with both scientific and industrial partners.
- You have strong communication skills and an excellent command of English.
The following will make you stand out:
- Creative, open-minded, and proactive researcher.
- Excellent experimental, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Self-driven attitude, creativity and autonomy.
Important note: due to the specific nature of the subject, this vacancy is only applicable for Dutch and/or EU/NATO nationalities. The candidate will be subjected to a defence safety screening procedure.
TU Delft (Delft University of Technology) Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.
At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core
values and we actively
engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.
Challenge. Change. Impact!
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.
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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 informationFor more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Axel Homborg (
A.M.Homborg@tudelft.nl) and/or Prof. Dr. Arjan Mol (
J.M.C.Mol@tudelft.nl).
You will receive an update on the outcome of your application in the week of 20–24 April. The first interviews are scheduled for the week of 27 April, followed by a second interview round in the week of 4 May.
Application procedureAre you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than
19 April 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:
- Your detailed CV
- Your cover (motivation) letter
- The abstract of your MSc thesis in English
You can address your application to Dr. Axel Homborg and/or Prof. Dr. Arjan Mol.
Applications sent by email will be ignored.
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.
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