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Job Information
- Organisation/Company: Vrije Universiteit Brussel
- Department: Materials and Chemistry (MACH)
- Research Field: Engineering » Materials engineering; Chemistry; Engineering » Chemical engineering; Engineering
Offer Description
Project overview
This PhD project focuses on the initiation and development of pitting corrosion in low-carbon steel exposed to highly alkaline environments in the context of the Belgian supercontainer concept for geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste. The research will focus on how the surface condition and the presence of aggressive species, particularly chlorides and sulphur-containing ions, affect passive-film breakdown, the induction time to pitting, and the transition from metastable to stable pit growth.
The student will combine electrochemical techniques, with advanced surface characterization and statistical analysis. The main objective is to obtain a mechanistic and quantitative understanding of pit initiation, propagation, morphology, and spatial distribution. The results will support the assessment of the risk of localized corrosion and the definition of an appropriate corrosion allowance for the carbon-steel overpack.
Key responsibilities:
- Prepare low-carbon steel samples and conduct electrochemical experiments in high-temperature alkaline solutions containing aggressive species.
- Perform surface characterization, measure and analyse pit density, depth, volume, morphology, affected area, and spatial distribution through statistical data analysis.
- Maintain accurate experimental records and ensure reproducibility and safe laboratory practice.
- Present results at scientific meetings with project partners and at international congresses.
- To contribute to peer-reviewed publications and project reports.
Where to apply
E-mail: Luciane.Sopchenski.Santos@vub.be
Requirements
- Research Field: Engineering » Chemical engineering — Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
- Research Field: Engineering » Materials engineering — Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
- Research Field: Chemistry — Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
- Master’s degree in materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, metallurgical engineering, or related field.
- Background in electrochemistry, corrosion, and materials characterization.
- Experience with electrochemical tests, SEM/EDS, XPS, confocal microscopy, and statistical data analysis is an asset.
- Strong laboratory and quantitative skills, scientific curiosity, and the ability to work independently.
- Good written and spoken English.
Languages: ENGLISH — Level: Excellent
Additional Information
Selection process
To apply send your academic CV and a one-page motivation letter outlining your research interests, relevant experience and motivation for the position to luciane.sopchenski.santos@vub.be with the subject “PhD application – [your name]” no later than 1st November 2026.
Website for additional job details: https://sume.research.vub.be/
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Country: Belgium
City: Brussel
Postal Code: 1050
Street: Pleinlaan 2
Contact
State/Province: Brussels Capital Region
City: Etterbeek
Website: https://sume.research.vub.be/
Street: Pleinlaan 2
Postal Code: 1050
E-Mail: Luciane.Sopchenski.Santos@vub.be