Renewable energy, especially wind and solar, is essential for our global efforts to decarbonize and slow the rate of global warming. However, the current electricity grid is unable to handle the intermittent nature of these energy sources, as the consumption of energy by industries and individuals often does not coincide in time with the generation of energy by the wind or sun. When electricity consumption is greater than generation, peaking (or backup) power supplies are needed. In wet mountains regions such as Norway and the Alps, Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS) is used for this purpose, with water pumped to reservoirs on mountaintops during times of excess power generation, then run through turbines back down to reservoirs in valleys during times of excess power consumption. This is the most efficient, mature, and lowest cost (both in terms of Euros and carbon emissions) means of energy storage, which is why over 95% of worldwide utility-scale energy storage is PHS.

In the civil engineering component of ALPHEUS, a Horizon 2020 project funded through EU grant 883553, the University of Stuttgart, Delft University of Technology, IHE-Delft, Technical University of Braunschweig, and the University of Pau and the Adour Region assess sites along the periphery of the North Sea for application of low head PHS. Conceptual designs of new and retrofit low head PHS basins are drafted. New structures encompass dike rings in the North Sea, including Dutch and Belgian ideas such as Plan Lievense and the North Sea energy island. Retrofits encompass concepts including the utilization of existing or proposed storm surge barriers or other structures, such as the Delta 21 Valmeer scheme. Comprehensive design of mechanical, electrical, and civil components allow costs of these schemes to be determined, and physical and economic risks assessed.

To address this challenge, the Hydraulic Engineering department of TU Delft is looking for a motivated Research Scientist or Postdoc for a period of 18 months. The selected candidate will work on concepts and designs on prefeasibility level and contribute to the ALPHEUS civil team on all elements of this component, including technical and economic aspects, as well as outdoor lab experiments on the fish-friendliness of the proposed construction.  

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with:

• MSc or PhD in Civil/Hydraulic Engineering or equivalent;
• Several years of relevant research and design experience;
• Research experience in experimental or field work is a plus;
• Excellent communication skills in English;
• Availability to start per 1 October 2022.

Fixed-term contract: 18 months.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. 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 as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

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.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences.