We are looking for a

Internship followed by fully funded PhD – Chemical/Mechanical engineer (m/f/d)

As a global leader in ironmaking technologies, Paul Wurth is at the forefront of developing innovative solutions for the decarbonisation of blast furnace-based iron production. One promising pathway for reducing CO₂ emissions is the increased utilisation of hydrogen and hydrogen-rich reducing gases within the blast furnace process.

The injection of hydrogen-rich syngas can contribute to reducing coke consumption and, consequently, the carbon footprint of hot metal production. However, the simultaneous injection of syngas and oxygen through the blast furnace tuyeres significantly changes the conditions within the raceway, including gas combustion, heat generation, gas and particle flow, and coke behaviour.

A detailed understanding of these complex interactions is therefore essential for the safe and efficient implementation of such injection concepts. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of a comprehensive numerical model of the blast furnace raceway, with particular emphasis on syngas and oxygen injection and their interaction with coke particles and the surrounding process conditions. 

During the internship you are expected to get familiar with the topic to prepare for the PhD, mainly doing:

• Conducting a literature review and state-of-the-art assessment of blast furnace raceway modelling, syngas combustion, gas-solid interaction, and particle movement.

• Reviewing existing numerical approaches for combustion solver.

• Prepare the funding application and PhD research proposal for a planned start in April 2026. 

During the PhD, you are expected to do the following:

• Develop a numerical model of the blast furnace raceway with syngas and oxygen injection.

• Develop and/or couple models describing gas flow, combustion and chemical reactions, heat and mass transfer, and coke/particle movement and interaction within the raceway.

• Investigate how syngas composition, oxygen concentration, injection temperature, injection velocity, and other relevant operating parameters influence raceway behaviour and combustion characteristics.

What do we expect?

• MSc in process engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, computational sciences, chemistry or related discipline.

• Strong analytical mindset and independent research capability. Critical thinking and problem solver.

• Deep understanding of thermodynamics, numerical methods, chemistry and transport phenomena.

• Proficiency in C++ and/or Python for numerical modelling, algorithm development, and scientific computing. 

• Good knowledge of OpenFoam. 

• Good understanding of particle dynamics and gas-solid interactions

• Excellent communication skills and proficiency in English. German, French and Luxembourgish are additional assets.

  
  

What do we offer?

• Fully funded PhD by FNR.lu in a diverse team in one of Luxembourg’s leading industrial players.

• Office near the well-connected Luxembourg train station for easy commuting.

• Flexible working hours, telework policy and flexible holiday planning.

  
  

Join us in conquering new challenges and be part of our Paul Wurth SMS team #turningmetalsgreen! 

Please apply online: 
https://careers.paulwurth.com