PhD position on Experimental Study on Combustion of Impure Iron Powders for Sustainable Energy - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Introduction

Are you passionate about researching iron powder combustion to enable low‑cost, circular energy storage for a sustainable future?

Job Description

Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) invites applications for an experimental PhD position in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. This position is part of a newly funded research project within the Open Technology Programme (OTP) of the Dutch Research Council (NWO), focusing on the Iron Power Cycle as a circular, carbon-free energy carrier.

The PhD candidate will investigate the combustion behavior of iron powders containing controlled impurities, aiming to enable the use of low-cost, industrially sourced iron powders for large-scale energy storage and transport. The project combines advanced combustion experiments with materials characterization, and works in close interaction with complementary multiscale modeling activities carried out by collaborating researchers.

You will conduct single-particle combustion experiments, solid-phase oxidation studies, and in-depth post-combustion material analyses, contributing to a fundamental understanding of how impurities such as carbon and metal oxides affect ignition, combustion temperature, and particle morphology. Your work will directly support the development of predictive models for next-generation metal-fuel energy systems.

The research is embedded within the Power and Flow (P&F) Section, internationally recognized for its leading role in iron-powder combustion and metal fuel technologies, and involves close collaboration with academic and industrial partners.

Job Requirements

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate who has:

• A Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related discipline
• Strong interest in experimental combustion, multiphase flows, or reactive materials
• Experience with laboratory experiments and data analysis (experience with optical diagnostics or materials characterization is an advantage)
• Good programming and data-processing skills
• Ability to work independently as well as in an interdisciplinary team
• Excellent communication skills in English

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you: 

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment. 
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881).  
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%. 
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process. 
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.  
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates. 

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us

We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering department conducts world-class research aligned with the technological interests of the high-tech industry in the Netherlands, with a focus on the Brainport region. Our goal is to produce engineers who are both scientifically educated and application-driven by providing a balanced education and research program that combines fundamental and application aspects. We equip our graduates with practical and theoretical expertise, preparing them optimally for future challenges.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the project leader, Prof. XiaoCheng Mi, x.c.mi@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact Hind Boulgalag, HR advisor, h.boulgalag@tue.nl.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.