PhD Positions: Novel methods probing phase- property changes induced hydrogen

Organisation/Company KU LEUVEN Research Field Engineering » Materials engineering Computer science » Modelling tools Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Final date to receive applications 17 Mar 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country Belgium Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Sep 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number BAP
- Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

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.

• 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.
• 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.

• 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.

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:  or Prof. Dr.

-Ing. Martin Diehl, mail: