Sign In
Sign Up

2 PhD Positions: Novel methods for probing phase-specific property changes induced by hydrogen in dual-phase metals

  • //applyindex.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/belgium.png Belgium
  • University/Institute Name KU Leuven
  • Attendance Type On Campus (Full Time)
  • Position DurationSee Position Description
  • Position Funding Type PhD Research Funding
  • Application deadlineMarch 17, 2026
Apply
Get Letter of Motivation (LOM)

Position Details (PhD Research Project)

We are looking for 2 motivated PhD researchers who will work closely together on this project: one to join the Computational Materials Science group, and one to join the Micro- and Nanomechanics of Materials team.

The Computational Materials Science group at KU Leuven is affiliated with the Department of Materials Engineering, section Nano- and microstructure design of materials, and the NUMA section at the Department of Computer Science. The group develops physics-based models for multiphysics simulations at the grain scales in applied materials and implements them into the open source software DAMASK.
Website: https://www.mtm.kuleuven.be/english/research/scalint/NMDM/research/computational/comp-mater-sci

The Micro- and Nanomechanics of Materials (MnM²) team at KU Leuven is affiliated with the Department of Materials Engineering, section Materials Performance and Nondestructive Testing. The team performs research on micro- and nanomechanics of materials, in-situ nanomechanical testing and residual stress evaluation at very small scales.
Website: https://mnm2.odoo.com/

Project

Duplex stainless steel alloys achieve high strength and corrosion resistance due to their dual phase microstructure, containing both the ferrite and austenite phase. However, as with most steels, exposure to hydrogen (H) significantly alters their mechanical properties. Low operating temperatures further reduce their ductility. In this project, funded by the Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO), you will tackle the challenge of hydrogen embrittlement in duplex stainless steels. This challenge is addressed with a combined experimental-computational approach with the ultimate aim to enable the safe use of these steels in the H storage and transport infrastructure.
The main goal of the project is the development of the novel experimental and computational tools that are required for studying the complex effect of hydrogen exposure and cooling on duplex stainless steel. Therefore, we are looking for 2 motivated PhD researchers who will work closely together within this project: one focusing on advanced experimental characterization techniques and one focusing on advanced multiphysics-based modelling. Please indicate your preference in your cover letter.

Profile

  • You have a Master degree in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or in a related discipline - or will obtain this degree this summer.
  • You have experience with or very strong interest in small scale mechanical testing, electron microscopy, computational materials science, computational mechanics, and/or software engineering.
  • You have excellent proficiency in English, both oral and written.

Offer

  • We offer two full-time positions for PhD researchers, each with a total duration of four years.
  • We pay a salary or a monthly tax-free grant. In addition, health insurance and social security will be covered.
  • We embed you into a supportive, multi-disciplinary and international research team of engineers and scientists with backgrounds in materials science and engineering.
  • We will support you in building up research and innovation skills that are essential for a future career in research and development, both in industry and academia.

Interested?

Please apply online using the application tool on this website. Applications via e-mail will not be considered.
For more information please contact Prof. dr. ir. Joris Everaerts, mail: [emailprotected] or Prof. Dr.-Ing. Martin Diehl, mail: [emailprotected].

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.

Research Areas & Fields of Study involved in the position

Position Start Date

Check Position Description