Job Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences - PhD Decision-making modeling in spatial coordination of subsurface activities

Topic of research
In The Netherlands, exploitation of the deep (>100m) subsurface has markedly increased over recent years. Historically, activities were limited to oil and gas production and mining for salt and coal. Recently however, many new initiatives were developed for extraction of geothermal energy, cold/warmth storage and subsurface storage of CO2, waste water and natural gas. In many cases this results in interactions and sometimes conflicts between the various forms of energy extraction and/or storage within the geological constraints posed by the subsurface. This means that in such cases, authorities will have to make choices between various available options. Currently, the Geo-Energy group at the RUG is involved in a study by the TNO Built Environment and Geosciences Institute to determine the geotechnical boundary conditions for the various forms of subsurface extraction and storage.
The offered PhD position builds on that study and comprises the development of models and scenarios for decision-making in the context of so-called "spatial coordination" of the subsurface of Netherlands onshore. Given the existing legal framework and apart from the geological boundary conditions, which dictate the technical feasibility of the opportunities, the scenarios/models will have to contain: economic valuation, environmental impact, land usage and risk assessment. The researcher will have to develop a systems-approach, leading to transparency and portability. Finally, a strategic overlay is required, depending on an overarching national energy and environmental vision developed at governmental level. In this way, the newly created decision-models will allow the authorities to make choices for subsurface usage based on a holistic prioritisation, taking into account efficiency, interaction, risk, sustainability, reversibility and timespan.
This research position is sponsored by the Ministry of Economic Affairs.

Supervisor will be Prof. M.A.Herber (Geo-Energy) with co-supervisor Prof. L.J.R. Scholtens (Economics).

Candidates should have (or obtain before 1st October 2010) a Masters Degree or equivalent in Earth Sciences or Economics. We are looking for candidates with interest in economic geology and decision-tree modeling. You are expected to have an excellent academic record and be curious, creative and ambitious. You should be able to work in a multidisciplinary environment in close cooperation with earth scientists, economists and legal experts. Candidates should be fluent in English and working knowledge of the Dutch language is an advantage.

The University of Groningen offers a salary of € 2,042 gross per month during the first year. This amount will increase to € 2,612 during the fourth year. The full-time appointment is temporary for a period of four years. After 1½ year, the performance of the candidate will be evaluated to decide whether there is sufficient progress to expect a successful completion of the PhD thesis within the remaining 2½ years. A training programme is part of the agreement. You and your supervisor will make up a plan for the additional education and supervising that you specifically need. This plan also defines your teaching activities.

The preferred starting date is 1st October, 2010.

How to apply:
Please include a list of examination marks, summary of your Master's thesis and the names and e-mail addresses of two references in your curriculum vitae.

About the city and University of Groningen
Groningen is a historic town and among the ten biggest cities in The Netherlands. It is a vibrant student town with a direct train connection to Schiphol Airport near Amsterdam. The University of Groningen (founded in 1614) has a long tradition of academic excellence, being one of the oldest research universities in Europe. Currently approximately 27,000 students are enrolled and every year about 250 PhD students defend their theses. It has a highly international character: English is the main language in the research laboratories.

The PhD position is available in the Geo-Energy group at the Energy & Sustainability Research Institute Groningen (ESRIG).

Prof. M.A. Herber
+31 50 3634953,
rien.herber@rug.nl
ESRIG