Excited to advance the field of geothermal energy? Looking for a new hands‑on challenge investigating thermo‑mechanics of reservoir rocks and understanding when faults slip due to cooling? Join us!
Job descriptionWe are opening a 2‑year postdoctoral researcher position funded by NWO on experimental mechanics and material behaviour modelling of thermo‑mechanical processes occurring in geothermal energy extraction. This role will address the scientific question: “When can reservoir cooling in sedimentary geothermal projects lead to significant seismic activity?” The project combines laboratory experiments, geophysical field monitoring, and numerical reservoir modelling.
Key responsibilities:
- Investigate thermo‑mechanical and hydraulic properties of geothermal reservoir rock, focusing on thermal expansion and permeability heterogeneity under relevant stress‑temperature conditions.
- Study the relation between thermal expansion, fault slip, and triaxial stress states.
- Collaborate with another postdoctoral researcher on numerical modelling to develop a constitutive model adaptable for specific reservoirs.
- Work within the Rock Mechanics lab and the Geothermal Theme of TU Delft, collaborating with PhD and PD teams.
- PhD in Earth Sciences, Experimental Physics, Geotechnical Engineering or a closely related discipline, awarded before the position start.
- Experience and enthusiasm for experimental work.
- Experience with rock deformation equipment (triaxial testing, fault mechanics, thermo‑mechanics).
- Solid understanding of rock mechanics, including volumetric deformation and shear failure.
- Ability to work independently, manage experimental programmes, and collaborate within a multidisciplinary research team.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, including the ability to publish in peer‑reviewed journals.
Additional qualifications that are considered a plus:
- Experience with test rock deformation under temperature‑controlled conditions.
- Experience with constitutive modelling.
- Affinity for the advancement of geothermal energy.
- Duration: 2 years (temporary).
- Work load: 32‑38 hours per week.
- Salary and benefits in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
- Excellent pension scheme via ABP.
- Annual individual employment package adjustments.
- Health insurer discounts on supplemental packages.
- Flexible working week.
- 232 leave hours per year (at 38‑hour week), with options to sell or buy additional leave hours.
- Opportunities for education, training, and courses.
- Partially paid parental leave.
- Health and vitality program support.
Interested candidates should apply no later than 31 March 2026 using the application button and upload the following documents:
- Recent CV.
- Motivation letter (max 2 pages) explaining how your experience matches the requirements.
- Publication list with a one‑page summary of your PhD thesis.
- Contact details for two referees.
Send applications online. Email or postal applications are not processed.
For questions, contact Dr. Anne Pluymakers (Anne.Pluymakers@tudelft.nl) or Prof. Phil Vardon (p.j.vardon@tudelft.nl).
We value diversity and believe in a fair and inclusive workplace.
#J-18808-Ljbffr€50000 - €60000 monthly