PhD Student (f/m/d) Numerical analysis of solidification processes in continuous casting of steel / Completed university studies (Master/Diploma) in the field of Mechanical or Process Engineering or a comparable subject / CFD-model …

Role: PhD Student (f/m/d) Numerical analysis of solidification processes in continuous casting of steel
Organization: Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) - Helmholtz Association
Location: Dresden, Germany
Start Date: 01.09.2026
Duration: 36 months

Role Overview:
The Institute of Fluid Dynamics at HZDR is conducting basic and applied research in thermo-fluid dynamics and magnetohydrodynamics to improve the sustainability, energy efficiency, and safety of industrial processes. The department Computational Fluid Dynamics develops CFD-models and frameworks for multiphase flow simulations, focusing on the Euler-Euler approach for medium and large industrial applications.

This position is part of the European Training Network COMBINE, a project offering 17 PhD positions across 14 European institutions. The successful candidate will contribute to the sub-project “Numerical analysis of solidification processes in continuous casting of steel.” The candidate will be registered as a doctoral student at Dresden University of Technology.

Responsibilities:
- Develop and validate a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model based on OpenFOAM (Foundation release) to analyze complex multiphase flow processes in the upper part of the mould during steel casting, including partial solidification.
- Integrate the CFD model into an existing GitLab-based development platform to ensure sustainability and reuse of results.
- Collaborate closely with a fellow PhD student who is setting up and running a model experiment to simulate the physical processes involved.
- Compile project reports and scientific publications.
- Collaborate closely with project partners.
- Participate in transnational secondments totaling six months: 1 month at Tata Steel Europe Ltd. (Netherlands) and 5 months at University of Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina).

Requirements and Qualifications:
- Completed university studies (Master/Diploma) in Mechanical or Process Engineering or a comparable subject.
- Affinity to CFD modelling and open-source code development.
- Excellent communication skills and motivation to work in an interdisciplinary and international research environment.
- Willingness to travel and participate in international secondments.
- Excellent written and spoken English skills.
- C++ programming skills and experience with OpenFOAM are helpful.
- Compliance with EU Mobility Rule: The candidate must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Germany for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date. (Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not taken into account.)

What They Offer:
- A vibrant research community in an open, diverse, and international work environment.
- Multi-sectoral research and multi-national collaboration with fellows in the network.
- Comprehensive network-wide and local training in technical and soft skills.
- Attractive secondments at leading academic and industrial network partner institutions.
- Salary in accordance with the EU MSCA regulations for Doctoral Researchers.
- Numerous company health management programs.
- Employee discounts with well-known providers via the platform Corporate Benefits.
- Employer subsidy for the Deutschland-Ticket Jobticket.