Benchmarking Seismic Source Models for Geothermal Operations.
Job description
We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher who will be working on two closely related research projects addressing key subsurface challenges in geothermal energy production and CO₂ storage. The role focuses on the development, implementation, and benchmarking of advanced numerical models to better understand and manage induced seismicity, fault reactivation, and near-wellbore processes such as salt precipitation and hydrate formation. The work integrates processes across scales, from near-wellbore physics to reservoir- and fault-scale behaviour, and supports the development of robust, physics-based modelling tools for subsurface energy applications. Main repsonsibilities include:
- Design and implement benchmark scenarios for (shear) stress modelling along faults and seismic modelling in geothermal operations, supporting fault stressing and seismicity analyses.
- Establish validated reference scenarios for this benchmark with varying levels of complexity, including cases with analytical or semi-analytical ground truths.
- Develop accurate near-wellbore physical models for salt precipitation and hydrate formation during CO₂ injection, explicitly accounting for impurities in the CO₂ stream.
- Bridge near-wellbore, reservoir, and fault-scale processes through consistent numerical modelling and upscaling.
- Support model evaluation, comparison, and performance assessment across both projects, in close collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
Job requirements
The successful candidate is expected to have:
- Background in geophysics, reservoir engineering, geomechanics, or a related field.
- Strong background in numerical modelling of subsurface processes, including fluid flow, geomechanics, or coupled multiphysics systems.
- Experience with seismic source modelling, induced seismicity, or fault mechanics.
- Familiarity with analytical and numerical modelling approaches.
- Ability to work with complex geological and reservoir datasets.
- Strong documentation and communication skills.
- Experience working in collaborative, research-driven projects is an asset.
Desirable skills include
- Experience with geothermal systems or subsurface energy applications.
- Experience with near-wellbore modelling, including completions, perforations, and damage zones.
- Knowledge of benchmark model development and model validation workflows.
- Ability to translate scientific concepts into practical modelling scenarios.
TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.
At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.
Challenge. Change. Impact!
Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences
The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Our research feeds into our educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource availability, urbanisation and clean water. Our research projects are conducted in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced of the importance of open science and supports its scientists in integrating open science in their research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in the following seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management.
Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences.
Conditions of employment
- Duration of contract is 24 months. Temporary
- A job of 36-38 hours per week.
- Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
- An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
- The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
- Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
- Flexible working week.
- Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
- Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
- Partially paid parental leave
- Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.
Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands. .
Additional information
Application procedure
Apply via the application button and upload a recent CV and motivation letter explaining how your experience matches the requirements for this position (max 2 pg) no later than
17 February 2026
- Publication list incl. A one-page summary of your PhD thesis.
- Contact details for two referees.
Please note:
- You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
- As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
- Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.