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About the project

This PhD is supervised by Prof. Tom Hauffman, in collaboration with NIRAS-ONDRAF, the Belgian Agency for Radioactive Waste and Enriched Fissile Materials.

The 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. You will study 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.

Combining electrochemical techniques with advanced surface characterization and statistical analysis, the main objective is 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, and 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 meetings with project partners and at international congresses.
• Contribute to peer-reviewed publications and project reports.

Your profile

• Master’s degree in materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, metallurgical engineering or a 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.

Practical information

• Start date: as soon as possible, no later than January 2027
• Location: VUB, Etterbeek campus, Brussels, Belgium
• Deadline: 1 November 2026

How to apply

Send your academic CV and a one-page motivation letter outlining your relevant experience, research interests and motivation for the position, with the subject “PhD application – [your name]”.

Apply by email

About the projects

The Physical Chemistry and Polymer Science (FYSC) laboratory, part of SUME, is recruiting two PhD researchers for two nationally funded projects. FYSC studies structure–processing–property relationships in synthetic, bio-based and natural polymers to develop sustainable, high-performance materials, with a strong focus on advanced thermal analysis.

• RESSURG develops technologies for more realistic surgical training models. The PhD researcher will develop a new generation of self-healing polymers that mimic the mechanical behaviour of natural tissues, in close collaboration with an interdisciplinary team.
• MOSA-PUR works towards a more efficient chemical recycling process for polyurethanes. The PhD researcher will study the chemical recycling reactions with researchers at the University of Antwerp, and provide experimental validation for modelling of polyurethane degradation together with the universities of Ghent and Groningen.

What you will do

You will conduct original research in physical chemistry and polymer science: designing and performing experiments, operating thermal analysis and other characterization techniques, and analysing and interpreting results in terms of structure–processing–property relationships. You will collaborate with team members and external partners, contribute to publications, conference presentations and project reports, take part in group meetings and help supervise students in the lab. This is a full-time, on-site position in Brussels.

Your profile

• A Master’s degree (or in your final year) in chemical engineering, chemistry, bioengineering, materials science or a related field.
• Advanced knowledge of physical chemistry, polymer science or materials science. Knowledge of network (de)polymerisation is a great advantage.
• Laboratory experience and materials characterization skills, such as thermal analysis, spectroscopy, rheology or microscopy.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, and the ability to design experiments and solve problems independently.
• Fluent English, a collaborative mindset and strong scientific curiosity.
• Experience with programming or data analysis tools (e.g. MATLAB, COMSOL) is a plus.

How to apply

For more information, contact Prof. Dr. Ir. Joost Brancart. To apply, send your motivation letter and CV, mentioning which project (RESSURG or MOSA-PUR) you are applying for.

Apply by email