Within the Delft Subsurface Storage Theme, supported by the Energi Simulation Chair in Subsurface Storage and Multiscale Modeling and Energi Simulation Centre for Geo-Energy, we aim to develop large-scale storage volumes for green hydrogen, to accelerate the energy transition and climate action. Several research projects are already targeting different aspects of this technology development, including projects ADMIRE, SafeInCave, Caves&Waves, EU-ITN-SHINE, etc. Modelling hydrogen in the underground subsurface depleted reservoirs is a complex task, due to the fairly unknown in-situ properties of hydrogen, and the complexities of the mathematical equations required to model it accurately in the heterogeneous porous systems. Mixing of hydrogen under reactive transport and hysteretic dynamics demands for high resolution meshes which would then lead to stiff nonlinear and linear systems. Heterogeneity and possibly fractures will also add to the complexity of the system by several folds.

At the Delft Advanced Reservoir Simulation (DARSim) group in collaboration with Applied Mathematics (DIAM), we have developed several multiscale concepts and methods to model multiphysics processes in subsurface geological reservoirs. Our concepts have been prototyped also in open-source codes, in the DARSim simulator and the domain decomposition solver package FROSch (Fast and Robust Overlapping Schwarz), which is part of the scientific computing library Trilinos. Collectively these software packages provide a strong basis for a lot of scientific research, relevant to real-field applications. These processes would include transport of reactive mass, heat and momentum (stress/deformation) in complex porous formations including fractures.

The scientific focus of the project is related to development of novel advanced simulation schemes, based on linear and nonlinear domain decomposition methods. These will be implemented within the Trilinos software environment and then integrated into the large-scale open-source simulator of the Lawrence Livermore National Lab (known as GEOSX) for heterogeneous porous rocks for underground hydrogen storage. Based on this simulation development, we then aim to study real-field complex applications and find a suitable site for underground hydrogen storage, and its optimum operational conditions.

While we are flexible with the background of the top candidate, only 3 major requirements are being strictly requested. Please note if you do not hold any of these requirements, your application won’t be considered.

• Holding an MSc degree from a recognized university in engineering or applied science;
• Professional C++ programming skills, demonstrated with past successful experience;
• Good communication skills.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

TU Delft is striving to increase the population of its female scientists. We highly encourage female researchers to consider applying to this opening.   

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2541 per month in the first year to € 3247 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.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts 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.

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 Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three disciplines - electrical engineering, mathematics and computer science. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make future-proof. We are also working on a world in which humans and computers reinforce each other. We are mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. There is plenty of room here for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1,100 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.