The project CURE (Coupled multiprocess research for reducing landfill emissions) investigates the reduction of the emission potential of landfills by in situ stabilisation measures and will develop predictive tools to forecast the pertaining processes and residual emissions. The objective of the research carried out in this particular PhD project is to quantitatively analyse the spatio-temporal response of landfills to different in-situ stabilisation measures by monitoring the change in quantity and quality of emissions through the water and gas phase as well as the change in the landfills' structural architecture. This will be achieved by high-resolution measurements of

• Leachate quantity and quality, including stable isotopes and DNA/RNA profiling
• 3D temperature time series  and 3D water content time series
• Gas quantity and quality
• Stabilisation-induced consolidation.

This research will deliver a field empirical data set on the effect of the stabilisation measures which will serve as input for biogeochemical process studies and as calibration and validation data for reactive transport and hydrological models.

Department
The Department of Geoscience and Engineering resides within the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences and encompasses five sections: Applied Geology, Applied Petrophysics and Geophysics, Geo-Engineering, Resource Engineering, and Petroleum Engineering. Within the Department there is considerable scope and encouragement for interdisciplinary research.

As a successful applicant you will have:

• An MSc degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Sciences or Geosciences with a focus relevant to the research field
• A strong motivation for experimental work in the field and in the laboratory
• Strong skills in data processing and analysis
• An intrinsic inclination and ability to work in a team with fellow academics, technicians and industrial partners
• Good proficiency in spoken and written English language; Dutch language skills are desired or should be acquired
• The ability to write scientific publications and technical reports.

Fixed-term contract: 4-5 years.

TU Delft offers PhD-candidates a 4-year contract, with an offical go/no-go progress assessment after one year. In combination with a 4 days workweek (0.8 fte) a 5-year contract is possible. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2325 per month in the first year to € 2972 in the fourth year based on a 1.0 fte basis. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.
We offer a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

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. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers both in business and in a social context. TU Delft offers 16 Bachelor’s and 32 Master’s programmes to more than 23,000 students. Our scientific staff consists of 3,500 staff members and 2,800 PhD candidates. Together we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Civil Engineering & 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 depletion, urbanisation and the availability of clean water, conducted  in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced that Open Science helps to achieve our goals 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.