Uncertainty analysis for thermally induced mechanical damage.
Job description
Geothermal energy is a local and essential source for heating in the energy mix of the future and must be sustainably scaled up. However, seismicity is a major societal concern. Currently, conservative assessments of seismicity (i.e., predicting higher seismicity than likely to occur) are one reason for projects not passing the exploration stage, and seismic activity related to gas extraction has resulted in a public acceptance risk of all subsurface activities. In this project, we are going to address the following scientific question: 'When can reservoir cooling in sedimentary geothermal projects lead to significant seismic activity?'
We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to lead the development of advanced numerical models to simulate thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) processes in sedimentary geothermal reservoirs, with a specific focus on thermally induced stress changes, fault reactivation, and induced seismicity. The work will extend the open-source DARTS simulation framework to include:
- Thermo-mechanical coupling with realistic fault representations
- Advanced constitutive models capturing contractive and dilative fault behaviour
- Stochastic representations of heterogeneous reservoir and fault properties
- Efficient high-performance computing implementations, including GPU acceleration
The developed methods will be applied to realistic case studies, including the TU Delft campus geothermal project, and will quantitatively compare results against existing seismic risk assessment approaches.
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Develop and implement numerical methods for coupled THM processes in geothermal systems
- Extend constitutive and fault-slip models within the DARTS framework
- Perform large-scale stochastic simulations to quantify uncertainty and seismic risk
- Analyse the temporal evolution of stresses, strains, and energy release
- Collaborate closely with experimental and monitoring researchers, and external collaborators such as TNO, to integrate laboratory and field data
- Publish results in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals and contribute to open-source software
Job requirements
The successful candidate is expected to have:
- A PhD (or near completion) in geomechanics, reservoir engineering, computational geoscience, applied mathematics, physics, or a closely related discipline
- Strong background in numerical modelling of coupled multi-physics problems (e.g. Thermo-hydro-mechanical processes). Modeling experience with open-DARTS or GEOS software is an advantage
- Proven experience with scientific programming in C++ and/or Python
- Familiarity with high-performance computing environments; experience with parallel computing and/or GPU acceleration is an advantage
- Solid understanding of subsurface processes such as fluid flow, heat transport, stress and deformation in porous media
- Experience with or strong interest in fault mechanics, constitutive modelling, or induced seismicity is an advantage
- Ability to work independently, manage complex modelling tasks, and collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary research team
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, including the ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals
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 36 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.
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.