15 PhD positions within MSCA Doctoral Network REFFRACTEUR (Digital REFractory FRAmework for a Carbon‑neutral and Resilient indusTry in EURope)

The REFFRACTEUR Doctoral Network is designed to train a new generation of researchers capable of addressing the scientific, technological and digital challenges faced by Europe’s refractory sector and high‑temperature industries in the context of the green and digital transitions.

The proposed PhD projects combine fundamental research, advanced experimental and numerical methods, and strong industrial integration. They address the entire life cycle of refractory materials, from raw materials, formulation and processing to industrial use, monitoring, digital optimisation, recycling and sustainability assessment. Particular emphasis is placed on circular economy strategies, life‑cycle assessment, data integration, artificial intelligence and digital twins, alongside thermomechanical characterisation and modelling under severe operating conditions.

The 15 PhD positions form a coherent and complementary research portfolio, implemented through close collaboration between leading academic institutions and industrial partners across Europe. Each doctoral project benefits from joint academic and industrial supervision and includes a substantial research period in industry, in line with the MSCA Industrial Doctorates scheme. Together, these projects aim to deliver both scientific advances and practical solutions for more sustainable, resilient and digitally enabled refractory technologies.

The 15 PhD topics are:

(PhD 01) - Digital product passport and data integration for circular refractory raw materials and industrial applications

(PhD 02) - Ecodesign and life‑cycle assessment of ladle refractory configurations for sustainable steelmaking operations

(PhD 03) - Semantic data integration and cloud‑based industrial platforms for circular refractory life‑cycle applications

(PhD 04) - Automation and digitalisation for quality control and classification of spent refractory fine fractions

(PhD 05) - Development and optimisation of MgO‑C and MgO castables with high recyclate content for sustainable steel ladles

(PhD 06) - Microstructural engineering of cement‑free binder systems for sustainable, high‑performance refractory castables

(PhD 07) - Virtual laboratory for microcrack prediction in refractory materials: from DEM modelling to industrial application

(PhD 08) - Investigation of the structural spalling and thermal fatigue of alumina‑spinel refractory castables

(PhD 09) - In‑situ multi‑physics characterisation and modelling of refractory materials under severe thermal gradients

(PhD 10) - Numerical‑aided optimisation of ceramic shell moulds for thermal‑shock resistance

(PhD 11) - Thermo‑hygral‑mechanical modelling and optimisation of dry‑out and early‑age behaviour in castable refractory linings for steel ladles

(PhD 12) - Advanced creep characterisation for accurate thermomechanical lining simulations

(PhD 13) - Innovative wear modelling and ladle optimisation using finite‑element methods (FEM)

(PhD 14) - Physics‑informed digital twins for design, monitoring and optimal operation of steel ladle refractories

(PhD 15) - Development of a decision‑support system for optimising ladle management under dynamic and sustainable conditions

The programme provides advanced research training in materials science, thermomechanics, digital technologies (AI, digital twins, data integration) and sustainability, complemented by structured training in transferable skills and international mobility.

Due to the collaborative and multi-partner nature of the project, the doctoral candidate will work in different research environments, including both academic institutions and industrial settings, depending on the specific PhD project.

Detailed information regarding the host institutions, laboratories, industrial partners, as well as the specific locations and working conditions associated with each project, is available on the project’s official website.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult the project website for full details on eligibility criteria, recruitment procedures, and the specificities of each position:

www.reffracteur.eu

Master’s level in Materials Science and/or Computational Methods in Mechanical Engineering. Masters level background in materials science, ceramics or mechanical engineering with skills in mechanical characterisation of refractories and FE-simulation is advantageous. Oral and written communication skills (English) are a prerequisite.