PhD position “Sustainable ZnAlMg-X alloy coating for green steel applications” (1.0 FTE) (V25.0432)

Topic of research: Development of sustainable ZnAlMg-X alloy coating for green steel applications

ZnAlMg alloys coated steel belong to the most important materials for automotive components, building components, domestic appliances and electrical goods. Besides the improved corrosion resistance, however, these coating alloys generally suffer from a reduced formability and cracking resistance as compared to GI galvanized steel. Furthermore, it is unclear at this moment how these types of coatings will perform in application to the green steel. Therefore, this project is aimed investigating the impact of using green steel as a substrate and at the same time improving the performance of these types of coatings on corrosion and cracking resistance, applicability and removability for recycling.

Organisation
Since its foundation in 1614, the University of Groningen has enjoyed an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative centre of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Balanced study and career paths in a wide variety of disciplines encourage currently more than 34,000 students and researchers to develop their own individual talents. Belonging to the best research universities in Europe and the top 100 universities in the world (see our ranking: http://www.rug.nl/about-us/where-do-we-stand/rankings, the University of Groningen is truly an international place of knowledge.

Within the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE), the Engineering and Technology institute Groningen (ENTEG) is a multidisciplinary hub for engineering science and technology research, driving the development of innovative, sustainable and smart processes and products through world-class research while actively investing in graduate and undergraduate education and mentorship. Through strong industry partnerships, ENTEG fosters knowledge transfer and contributes to the growth and competitiveness of the engineering sector. The institute provides a collaborative, resource-rich environment with cutting-edge laboratories and facilities to support transformative research across mechanical, materials and robotics engineering; optimisation, systems and control; and sustainable chemical engineering and biotechnology. A PhD position is available in the Advanced Production Engineering (APE) research group that deals with the development, optimization and implementation of advanced production technologies and manufacture processes with emphasis on mechanical and materials engineering. For more information about the APE group please use the following link: www.rug.nl/research/ape.

Candidates should have an MSc degree in materials science and engineering. A strong background in metallurgy, galvanization, and corrosion science will be a clear advantage. The successful candidate is expected to have an excellent academic record and is curious, creative and ambitious. You should be able to work in a multidisciplinary environment in close cooperation with other experts and be fluent in English.

The detailed qualification of English skills is referred as the following:

• An overall score of 6.5 or higher in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS, academic version); or
• A score of at least 237 on the computer-based form of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); or
• A score of at least 92 on the internet-based test of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

We offer, following the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:

• A full-time position (1.0 FTE) of four years
• A salary of € 3,059 gross per month in the first year, up to a maximum of € 3,881 gross per month in the fourth year for a full-time working week
• A holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income and an 8.3% year-end bonus.

The successful candidate will first be offered a temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for another three years. Prolongation of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year to indicate that a successful completion of the PhD thesis within the next three years is to be expected. A PhD training programme is part of the agreement and the successful candidate will be enrolled in the Graduate School of Science and Engineering.

The preferred starting date is 1 Jan. 2026

Applications, including a letter of motivation, a curriculum vitae, a list of publications (if any), transcript of master and bachelor degrees, and the contact information of two academic referees, must be submitted by means of the application form (click on "Apply" below on the advertisement on the university's website).

You may apply for this position until 4 October 11:59pm / before 5 October 2025 Dutch local time (CEST) by means of the application form (click on "Apply" below on the advertisement on the university website).

The University of Groningen strives to be a university in which students and staff are respected and feel at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identities. We believe that working on our core values of inclusion and equality are a joint responsibility and we are constructively working on creating a socially safe environment. Diversity among students and staff members enriches academic debate and contributes to the quality of our teaching and research. We therefore invite applicants from underrepresented groups in particular to apply. For more information, see also our diversity policy webpage: https://www.rug.nl/about-ug/policy-and-strategy/diversity-and-inclusion/

Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the Recruitment code (NVP): https://www.nvp-hrnetwerk.nl/nl/sollicitatiecode and European Commission's European Code of Conduct for recruitment of researchers: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/charter/code
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