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PhD Position Particle Based Modelling of Scrap Handling for Green Steel Production
Job description
For the National Growth Fund (NGF) project “Groeien met Groen Staal” (GGS), a fully funded PhD position for a period of four years is available in the context of advancing sustainable and climate-neutral steel production. This PhD project aims to develop an advanced particle-based modelling framework to support the design and optimisation of scrap handling systems for continuous furnace infeed. The research will focus on modelling how key scrap characteristics - such as size, shape, density, and material heterogeneity - interact with scrap handling and transport systems, discharging equipment such as vibratory feeders, and industrial loading strategies employed in scrap yards for feeding Electric Arc Furnaces (EAFs).
You will develop and validate a particle-based simulation model to capture the flow and behaviour of steel scrap throughout handling, transport, and furnace infeed processes. This includes integrating data provided by Tata Steel Netherlands to enable realistic modelling of industrial conditions. You will analyse how different scrap recipes and loading strategies influence process performance, and investigate the movement and segregation behaviour of scrap. Based on these insights, you will design and optimise discharge sequences to improve operational efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and minimise wear. Finally, you will translate your modelling results into practical recommendations for implementation in industrial EAF operations.
You will work within the Machines & Materials Interactions section of TU Delft that aims at designing the next generation of machines in the transportation domain, taking into account their interactions with cargo, materials and objects that they manipulate; interaction with environments; and interaction between machines in the logistic system. The research interests and expertise include advanced modelling and design optimization methods for machines development. We use both experimental testing approaches and computational modelling and closely collaborate with many national and international experts across companies and research/ academic institutes.
The succesful candidate will be supervised by Prof.dr.ir. Dingena Schott and Dr.ir. Yusong Pang, and will have opportunities to collaborate with the GGS consortium partners.
Job requirements
The candidate:
holds a MSc degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related field
has demonstrable experience with Discrete Element Method or other particle based methods
preferably has experience with experiments and/or scrap characterisation
demonstrable affinity with industry-related research
has excellent written and spoken communication skills in English and demonstrates a collaborative mindset
TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.
For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.
These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.
At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional.
Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.
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.
. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.
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 information
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof.dr.ir. Dingena Schott
[email protected].
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 12 August 2026 upload the following documents:
CV (incl. list of publications)
Motivational letter and your most relevant publication
You can address your application to Prof.dr.ir. Dingena Schott.
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.
Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.
Faculty/Department: Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
Salary range: €3059 - €3881
Submission is possible until: 12 Aug 2026
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