PhD Position on the Effect of B on the Formation of Bainite and Martensite and Resulting Mechanical Properites in Steels

Boron is an alloying element widely used to increase the hardenability of steels. However, it delays bainite formation, which may be a problem in the processing of many high performance steels. This PhD project aims understanding the effect of boron in the microstructure development of steels, and particularly on the kinetics and bainite formation. This requires to determine how boron interacts with the microstructure and evaluate if this interaction is due to segregation to defects such as grain boundaries or due to the formation of certain compounds. Such understanding will be achieved through dedicated experiments in which the the microstrucutre formation is investigated through high resolution techniques. Further, the project will clarify how boron and its compounds impact the mechanical properties of steel. Investigations will be performed in close collaboration with our industrial partner Tata Steel.

Requirements:

We are searching for an enthusiastic candidate with the following qualitifcations:

• A MSc degree in physics, materials science or similar field.
• Knowledge on physics of metals, solid-solid phase transformations, diffusion phenomena, and computational modelling in material's science.
• A critical, curious and creative approach to research.
• Excellent analytical and experimental skills.
• Communication skills and open-minded, able to integrate in an international and collaborative environment.

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.

Salary Benefits:

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 € 2872 per month in the first year to € 3670 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.
For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

36 - 40 hours per week

Mekelweg 2