This PostDoc position forms part of the Science4Steer project which aims to understand the effects of time-varying pressures, stresses and strains resulting from natural gas production and (re-) injection in the Dutch subsurface as a basis for operational strategies to minimise the hazard of induced seismicity. The results will also be relevant to the final or temporary subsurface storage of other gasses such as CO2 or H2 and for geothermal energy production. In particular, this PostDoc project will address the scope to influence subsurface pressures and stresses, via multi-well injection/production control while taking account of geological and parameter uncertainties. This will involve developing a system-theoretical basis for control of coupled flow and mechanics in faulted porous media through concept/theory development and computational science. Therefore you will use, and contribute to, numerical simulation tools developed by other team members in our project, for example to investigate pressure transients in multi-well configurations at field scale, or simulate physical experiments performed in our project, to develop control strategies for subsurface flow and mechanics.

This PostDoc project requires a background in numerical simulation of porous media flow, or solid/soil/rock mechanics, and preferably a combination of these two fields (poro-mechanics). Prior exposure to seismology and/or systems and control theory would be welcome but is not essential. More important are an interest in applied mathematics, the ability to work with large-scale numerical models (developed by colleagues who are available for consultation), and the capacity to develop your own computational modules in e.g. Matlab or Python building on these large-scale applications. Although the project is not primarily aimed at software development, some prior experience with serious code development will be useful. Team working skills to cooperate with the numerical modellers and experimental researchers in the project are important, and so are good writing and verbal communication skills in English. Moreover we expect you to have an interest, or at least the willingness to develop such an interest, in the societal implications of human interactions with the deep subsurface. 

Fixed-term contract: 2 years.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (Scale 10: € 2836 - € 4474). The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation. An International Children's Centre offers childcare and there is an international primary school.

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 and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

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Faculty 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 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.

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