PHD Position Multi Precipitate

PhD position (4 years) for the National Growth Fund project "Groeien met Groen Staal" (GGS) to model green steel mechanics from the atomic scale. The project investigates micro-scale and atomic-scale processes of dislocation–precipitate interactions in multi-component alloy systems relevant for new green-steel compositions, where precipitates arise from impurities and tramp elements. The goal is to devise a multi-scale framework that incorporates atomic-scale mechanisms of precipitate shearing and looping into a micro-scale framework of dislocation–precipitate interactions, enabling prediction of precipitate strengthening as a function of composition. The successful candidate will be supervised by prof. dr. Francesco Maresca, chair of the Mechanics of Materials unit (Engineering and Technology institute).

• MSc degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering, Civil (Structural) Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Strong background in solid mechanics, including continuum solid mechanics and finite deformations.
• Good knowledge of calculus and linear algebra.
• Proven coding skills.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.
• Strong motivation and interest in theoretical and computational research in mechanics of materials.
• Experience with finite element implementation, discrete dislocation mechanics, and atomistic modelling (molecular dynamics) is a plus.

• Investigate micro-scale and atomic-scale processes of dislocation–precipitate interactions for multi-component alloy systems.
• Perform atomistic modelling to characterize intrinsic precipitate looping versus shearing mechanisms.
• Conduct microscale simulations to predict strengthening due to dislocation–precipitate interactions.
• Develop and integrate a multi-scale modelling framework that incorporates atomic-scale mechanisms into micro-scale dislocation–precipitate interaction models.
• Use the developed models to predict precipitate strengthening as a function of green-steel composition and assess implications for steel quality and production routes.

• Application deadline: 30 June 2026, 23:59 Dutch local time.
• 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE).
• Option to work more or fewer hours in exchange for correspondingly more or fewer free hours (examples: 40-hour week saves 96 extra free hours; 36-hour week loses 96 hours).
• End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and holiday allowance of 8%.
• Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.
• Temporary appointment of one year with the option to renew for another three years; renewal contingent on sufficient progress in the first year toward completing the PhD thesis within the remaining three years.
• Participation in a PhD training programme is included.

Researchers across disciplines address academic challenges and societal questions, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary research and collaboration with industry, government, and societal organizations. The community aims to be open and inclusive, fostering a safe and informal working climate that values knowledge sharing and collaboration.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering provides teaching and research across physics, biology, artificial intelligence, mechanical engineering, pharmacy, and related fields. The faculty collaborates closely with partners from industry, healthcare, and society to address challenges such as energy, sustainability, digitization, and medical technology.

The community includes thousands of students and staff from around the world, offering an international research and teaching environment.