Geophysical methods include non-invasive surveying techniques that provide information on the subsurface distribution of physical parameters (e.g., elastic moduli, density, electrical resistivity). Their application is widespread in many fields ranging from natural resources exploration to environment assessment and monitoring, natural hazards, infrastructure design and cultural heritage. Especially electromagnetic methods need a priori or independent information for proper resistivity estimation. Joint inversion (utilising multiple methods simultaneously) can offer a way to overcome the intrinsic limitations of the individual methods and can provide a more reliable and comprehensive model of the subsurface.
This project aims to develop and implement inversion of transient electromagnetic data and to incorporate it in a joint 3D monitoring platform using seismic and electromagnetic data, a priori information and geo-models. The seismic inversion part is being developed in a separate project. The objective is to observe and interpret time lapse changes in the near surface due to heat development around the wells which has mechanical consequences and may affect the groundwater flow. Petrophysical laws will be used to link the geophysical data to mechanical and hydraulic parameters.
The methodology will be validated by monitoring near surface changes around the production well of the geothermal doublet to be built on campus of Delft University of Technology.
The project is part of a large Dutch research network, Warming Up, focusing on a fast development of heat networks for sustainable energy production and subsurface storage in a safe and environmentally friendly way. This project is co-funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate and a large group of stakeholders. This collaboration ensures short communication lines with several applied R&D institutes, including TNO and companies, such that our scientific progress can have a "short time to market".

Applicants are expected to have a university degree (MSc) in geophysics, earth sciences, electrical engineering or a related area, with a strong background in electromagnetic field theory and/or inversion, preferably experience with field work and field data processing.

The successful candidate will be granted a temporary employment contract for a period of 4 years, with an evaluation at the end of the first year. Within the contract period, the candidate is expected to produce a dissertation (PhD thesis) of sufficient quality and develop the ability to defend the thesis to be awarded the doctorate degree.

If your mother language is not English and you do not hold a degree from an institution in which English is the language of instruction, you must submit proof of English proficiency from either TOEFL (minimum total score of 100) or IELTS (minimum total score of 7.0). Proof of English language proficiency certificates older than two years are not accepted.

The position is available to start by the end of summer 2020 and remains open until filled.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

TU Delft offers PhD-candidates a 4-year contract, with an offical go/no-go progress assessment after one year. 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. 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.

Technische Universiteit Delft

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

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.

The Department of Geoscience and Engineering encompasses 5 sections: Applied Geology, Applied Geophysics and Petrophysics, Geo-Engineering, Resource Engineering, and Petroleum Engineering. Within the department there is considerable scope and encouragement for inter-disciplinary research.