Hydrogen is expected to increase its contribution in the green energy mix, as for its capacity to supply, transport and store at TWh scale. For the TWh storage system to happen successfully, underground storage sites need to be developed. These include both salt caverns and porous reservoirs. From the mechanics perspective, injecting and producing hydrogen causes stress fluctuations which then motivates plastic deformation of the rocks. This process is known to take place in underground gas storage (UGS) systems too. However, the main difference between the underground hydrogen storage (UGS) and UGS is that it is possible that hydrogen reacts within the reservoir environment and alters the mechanical properties of the rocks. This project is precisely about quantification of the impact of hydrogen on the mechanical properties of the rocks. With the sponsorship of the Energi Sumulation Chair, within the Energi Simulation Centre for Geoenergy and the departmental Subsurface Storage Theme, we are looking for a talented and motivated postdoctoral scholar to study the impact of hydrogen on the mechanical properties of the rocks. The successful candidate is expected to lead experimental research to investigate how the rock samples get affected by the flow of hydrogen. Extensive experience on running experimental rock mechanics lab is a necessary skill, and experience with modeling is a certain plus. The candidate will be employed in the section of Reservoir Engineering.      

Requirements for the successful candidate are:

• Related PhD degree;
• Well experienced with the rock mechanics experimental lab facilities;
• Well experienced with mechanics of storage, specially nonlinear plastic deformations and knowledge of modeling the mechanical properties of rocks;
• Excellent ability to communicate in English and preferably in Dutch, both orally and in writing and scientific presentation;
• Affinity with supervision of students;
• Good organisational skills and ability to work independently.

Fixed-term contract: 1 year.

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, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

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.

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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 availability, urbanisation and clean water. Our research projects are conducted in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced of the importance of open science 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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