Join TU Delft in advancing the understanding of materials ageing in research reactors. As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you will study how light alloys corrode under simulated operating conditions and assess strategies to prevent degradation. Your work carried out in collaboration with NRG and European partners in the MAGIC-RR project will support the safe, long-term performance of research reactor materials.

Job description

Research reactors (RRs) are essential to the progress of nuclear science and technology. Although they are not used for power generation, they enable critical activities such as isotope production, materials testing, and education. Many of these reactors have been operating for decades, and the ageing of their structural materials is increasingly affecting performance and safety. However, our understanding of the degradation mechanisms, particularly corrosion and embrittlement in reactor environments, remains incomplete, and key mechanical properties are scarce. Without reliable experimental data, our ability to develop predictive models for the properties and long-term performance of reactor materials is also limited.

This position is part of the MAGIC-RR project (Materials Ageing and Degradation in Research Reactors), a European collaboration aimed at improving the scientific basis for predicting and mitigating materials ageing in research reactors. The project unites leading universities, research institutes, and reactor operators to generate critical materials data, refine degradation models, and design mitigation strategies that support the safe and sustainable operation of research reactors across Europe.

As a postdoc researcher at TU Delft, you will focus on improving the understanding of corrosion behaviour of light alloys under operating conditions representative of research reactors. You will:

• Investigate corrosion mechanism in aqueous environment using electrochemical and surface analysis techniques.
• Adapt and design experimental setups to mimic better reactor conditions. Creativity and initiative in modifying test approaches are strongly encouraged.
• Evaluate the performance and effectiveness of corrosion prevention and mitigation strategies developed by NRG.
• Prepare technical reports describing corrosion mechanisms and mitigation results as key project deliverables.
• Actively participate in MAGIC-RR consortium meetings and collaborate closely with NRG and other partners.
• Contribute to publications and mentoring of MSc students within the MSE department.

Corrosion Technology and Electrochemistry group (CTE)
You will be part of the Corrosion Technology and Electrochemistry (CTE) group within the department Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) at TU Delft, where research focuses on understanding and controlling local corrosion processes to enhance the durability and sustainability of materials. The CTE team aims to gain fundamental insights into corrosion mechanisms and promote best practices in corrosion control for the socio-economic benefit of society, the preservation of resources, and the protection of the environment. The research bridges fundamental electrochemistry with applied materials science, contributing to advances in energy storage, cultural heritage, and biomaterials.

You will have access to well-equipped laboratories with advanced facilities for electrochemical analysis and surface characterization. At CTE, you’ll find an open and collaborative environment where interdisciplinary teamwork, curiosity, and scientific excellence are valued. We work closely across disciplines such as metallurgy, surface science, and electrochemistry, sharing a drive to grow together and make a meaningful impact through innovative research.

Requirements

We seek an outstanding experimental researcher who’s motivated to work in an international, multidisciplinary, and academic-industrial team. We are looking for an enthusiastic and inquisitive researcher who wants to develop their know-how and experience in a challenging academic environment. motivate

Furthermore, you need to have:

• A PhD in corrosion science, materials science and engineering, metallurgical, chemical, or another closely related discipline with a strong focus on materials degradation and electrochemical behaviour.
• Proven and extensive experience in corrosion research of light metal alloys and mitigation strategies, including conventional electrochemical analyses such as PDP and EIS.
• Experience optionally on surface analysis methods (eg. SEM, XRD, XPS, AFM).
• Critical and creative approach to the research, with good problem-solving skills.
• Proven experience writing scientific publications and preparing communications for scientific and technical meetings with project partners.
• Have proven excellent written and spoken English skills.

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.

Conditions of employment

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. 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.

Additional information

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Yaiza Gonzalez-Garcia, Associate Professor, email: y.gonzalezgarcia@tudelft.nl.

For information about the selection procedure, please contact the recruitment team, email: recruitment-mE@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply before 15 November 2025 via the application button and upload:

• A cover letter stating your motivation (max. 2 pages).

• Detailed curriculum vitae (including a list of publications).

• Names and contact detail (email) of up to three professional referees.

• A summary of your doctoral thesis and other research experience, if applies (max. 2 pages.).

Please note:

• Applications will be reviewed as they are received as we hope to fill the positions as soon as possible.
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.