Postdoc Sustainable Iron Production by Electrowinning

Job description
Join the Materials Production, Refining and Recycling (MPRR) group in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) at TU Delft and contribute to sustainable iron making. In this project, you will perform fundamental study on the relationship between electrowinning processing conditions and the deposited iron properties. The study will include:

• Development and optimization of the electrode interface
• Laboratory-scale experiments to investigate redox kinetics and iron deposition mechanism
• Material characterization of cathodically deposited iron
• Process optimization and energy efficicency calcuations
• Contribution to techno-economic analysis and sustainability assessment
• Dissemination of knowledge through scientific publications, conferences, and education

Background
The production of iron and steel is among the most emission-intensive industrial processes worldwide, with a strong dependence on fossil fuels such as coke. Conventional blast furnaces are difficult to shut down and require high investments in maintenance and energy, which slows the transition to cleaner technologies. At the same time, societal and policy pressure is increasing to reduce emissions, make production processes more sustainable, and preserve employment and the strategic position of these industries within the Dutch economy.

Within this context, there is a need for alternative, electrically driven routes that are flexible, scalable, and fossil-free. This project develops an electrochemical process for iron extraction from iron ore that operates at low temperature and offers prospects for application in more sustainable and future-proof forms of iron production.

Job requirements
We are seeking a proactive, self-motivated candidate with a strong background in electrochemistry and experimental skills. Candidates should meet the following requirements:

• PhD degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in electrochemistry and materials characterization. Solid understanding of chemical reactions and electrochemistry.
• Strong communication skills in English, including proficiency in scientific writing (reports, papers) and technical presentations.
• A critical and creative approach to research is essential.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and willingness to collaborate with project partners, including academic and industry stakeholders.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Mechanical Engineering
From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

Postdoc Analysis of Non-Metallic Content and its Impact on Downstream Recycling of Li-ion Batteries

Job description
Join the Materials Production, Refining and Recycling (MPRR) group in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) at TU Delft and contribute to advancing battery circularity by optimizing the recovery of critical raw materials in the hydrometallurgical recycling of Li-ion batteries.

In this reserach, you will:

• Investigate purification and separation methods to understand mechanisms for impurity removal (e.g., Cu, Al, Fe) and for better recovery of Co, Ni, and Mn.
• Identify and optimize key process parameters for black mass treatment in close collaboration with industry partners.

Background
Batteries are essential for decarbonizing transport and enabling renewable energy storage, yet their widespread use presents a growing waste-management challenge. Recycling spent batteries is key to recovering valuable materials and improving the sustainability of the battery value chain. Hydrometallurgical recycling is particularly suitable to handle the complex and variable composition of industrial Li-ion waste streams. However, it must become more efficient and sustainable, while achieving higher purity and recovery rates to meet EU regulatory targets.

This project is part of the CRM Lion project, which is part of the national program for Material Independence & Circular Batteries, supporting the development of Li-ion battery recycling industry in the Netherlands.

Job requirements
We are looking for a proactive, self-motivated candidate with a strong background in experimental research. Candidates should meet the following requirements:

• Has obtained (or is about to defend) a PhD in chemistry, materials science, physical chemistry, physics, or a related field.
• Is a highly motivated and enthusiastic researcher Lab experience and skills in materials characterization and analytical chemistry. Prior experience in Li-ion battery recycling is advantageous.
• Strong communication skills in English, including proficiency in scientific writing (reports, papers) and technical presentations.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and willingness to collaborate with academic and industrial partners.
• Is available to start as soon as possible.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Mechanical Engineering
From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

Postdoc Sustainable Iron Production by Electrowinning

Job description
Join the Materials Production, Refining and Recycling (MPRR) group in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) at TU Delft and contribute to sustainable iron making. In this project, you will perform fundamental study on the relationship between electrowinning processing conditions and the deposited iron properties. The study will include:

• Development and optimization of the electrode interface
• Laboratory-scale experiments to investigate redox kinetics and iron deposition mechanism
• Material characterization of cathodically deposited iron
• Process optimization and energy efficicency calcuations
• Contribution to techno-economic analysis and sustainability assessment
• Dissemination of knowledge through scientific publications, conferences, and education

Background
The production of iron and steel is among the most emission-intensive industrial processes worldwide, with a strong dependence on fossil fuels such as coke. Conventional blast furnaces are difficult to shut down and require high investments in maintenance and energy, which slows the transition to cleaner technologies. At the same time, societal and policy pressure is increasing to reduce emissions, make production processes more sustainable, and preserve employment and the strategic position of these industries within the Dutch economy.

Within this context, there is a need for alternative, electrically driven routes that are flexible, scalable, and fossil-free. This project develops an electrochemical process for iron extraction from iron ore that operates at low temperature and offers prospects for application in more sustainable and future-proof forms of iron production.

Job requirements
We are seeking a proactive, self-motivated candidate with a strong background in electrochemistry and experimental skills. Candidates should meet the following requirements:

• PhD degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in electrochemistry and materials characterization. Solid understanding of chemical reactions and electrochemistry.
• Strong communication skills in English, including proficiency in scientific writing (reports, papers) and technical presentations.
• A critical and creative approach to research is essential.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and willingness to collaborate with project partners, including academic and industry stakeholders.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Mechanical Engineering
From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

Postdoc Analysis of Non-Metallic Content and its Impact on Downstream Recycling of Li-ion Batteries

Job description
Join the Materials Production, Refining and Recycling (MPRR) group in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) at TU Delft and contribute to advancing battery circularity by optimizing the recovery of critical raw materials in the hydrometallurgical recycling of Li-ion batteries.

In this reserach, you will:

• Investigate purification and separation methods to understand mechanisms for impurity removal (e.g., Cu, Al, Fe) and for better recovery of Co, Ni, and Mn.
• Identify and optimize key process parameters for black mass treatment in close collaboration with industry partners.

Background
Batteries are essential for decarbonizing transport and enabling renewable energy storage, yet their widespread use presents a growing waste-management challenge. Recycling spent batteries is key to recovering valuable materials and improving the sustainability of the battery value chain. Hydrometallurgical recycling is particularly suitable to handle the complex and variable composition of industrial Li-ion waste streams. However, it must become more efficient and sustainable, while achieving higher purity and recovery rates to meet EU regulatory targets.

This project is part of the CRM Lion project, which is part of the national program for Material Independence & Circular Batteries, supporting the development of Li-ion battery recycling industry in the Netherlands.

Job requirements
We are looking for a proactive, self-motivated candidate with a strong background in experimental research. Candidates should meet the following requirements:

• Has obtained (or is about to defend) a PhD in chemistry, materials science, physical chemistry, physics, or a related field.
• Is a highly motivated and enthusiastic researcher Lab experience and skills in materials characterization and analytical chemistry. Prior experience in Li-ion battery recycling is advantageous.
• Strong communication skills in English, including proficiency in scientific writing (reports, papers) and technical presentations.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and willingness to collaborate with academic and industrial partners.
• Is available to start as soon as possible.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Mechanical Engineering
From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

PhD Positions in Explainable and Privacy Preserving AI

Job description
AI systems are increasingly used in high-stakes settings such as healthcare where trustworthiness is essential. Today’s explainability methods often do not provide meaningful decision support and, in some cases, can even leak sensitive training data. Models are especially unreliable and privacy-risky when they encounter inputs that were poorly represented in their training data.

Our new project PriXAI, funded through a VIDI grant, aims to solve this.

The project develops techniques that identify when a model is operating in such high-risk regions and uses this information to design new, privacy-preserving learning and explanation methods. Instead of producing generic explanations, PriXAI focuses on generating targeted, privacy-safe evidence that helps users understand when predictions can be trusted.

We are offering two PhD positions that will contribute to this mission. This PhD work is important because it advances the foundations needed for AI systems that are both privacy-secure and reliable in real-world decision-making settings.

PhD Position 1: Explainability for decision support
You will develop explanation and evidence-generation methods that remain stable, informative, and decision-relevant even under privacy noise and limited training support.

An understanding of current explainable AI techniques is highly beneficial.

PhD Position 2: Privacy Preserving Explanations
You will design methods to release model outputs and explanations under rigorously defined privacy guarantees. This includes working with techniques such as differential privacy and PAC-privacy to enable safe model and explanation release.

Familiarity with privacy-preserving machine learning methods is a plus.

Both PhD candidates will work closely together as part of a joint research team headed by Dr. Megha Khosla. They will also collaborate regularly with external partners working on explainability and privacy as well as for applications in the healthcare and social-science domains.

“To thrive as a PhD candidate, it’s crucial to have a strong research mindset driven by curiosity and passion for your topic. Reflecting on your motivation for pursuing a PhD trajectory is essential, as this path involves unique challenges and uncertainties inherent to scientific exploration. Success requires dedication, adaptability, the ability to analyze complex problems, manage your time effectively, innovate and stay resilient under pressure. Combined with the ability and willingness to work independently and collaborate well, these qualities are indispensable for a fulfilling PhD journey.

These experiences will build you as an independent researcher, expand your professional network, and pave the way for diverse career pave the way for diverse career paths, inside or outside academia.”

Job requirements
We are looking for motivated candidates with a Master’s in CS/AI/Data Science (or related field), strong ML foundations, and solid programming experience. Depending on the position some background in privacy or explainability is preferred.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that you can interact well with others, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, write scientific articles and a final thesis and share your research results with a wider audience.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.