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 successful 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.

Vereisten

• 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.

Wat We Bieden

• A 4-year employment period, with an initial 1.5-year contract and a performance assessment within 15 months.
• Salary ranging from €3059 to €3881 gross per month, increasing from the first to the fourth year, plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
• Enrollment in the TU Delft Graduate School, providing a supportive research environment and development opportunities.
• Customizable compensation package, health insurance discounts, and flexible work schedules.
• Relocation assistance for candidates moving to the Netherlands, including support for partners seeking employment.

Sollicitatieprocedure

Are You Interested In This Vacancy? Please Apply No Later Than 12 August 2026 Via The Application Button And 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. Please note that applications sent by email and/or post will not be processed.