From freshwater to energy and raw materials, our entire society is built on resources from the subsurface whose distribution depends on how fluids circulate underground. To better manage those resources, we need to better predict fluid flow in the subsurface, and to better predict fluid flow, we need to better predict the physical properties of the rocks and sediments that steer it. Unfortunately, the sparsity and poor quality of subsurface data means that we only have a rough overview of what lies below the ground, while subsurface properties can change drastically even over short distances.

As a PhD candidate at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), you will conduct research to enhance our ability to predict the distribution of fluvial deposits in the subsurface. You will focus on developing a model simulating fluvial processes with four main objectives:

1. Simulating deposits below the channel-width scale in 3D.
2. Capturing the transition in space and time between different river styles.
3. Mapping the variations of sedimentary heterogeneity into the parameter space of the model.
4. Quantifying the impact of simplifying the heterogeneity on subsurface flow and transport processes.

A key output of your work will be an open-source software package to generate 3D representations of grain size variations at (sub-)reservoir scale over geological timescales.

You will join the Applied Geology section in the department of Geoscience & Engineering, where you will find a vibrant and collaborative environment in which you will have the opportunity to interact with experts in geomodelling, sedimentology, stratigraphy, geophysics, reservoir engineering, and machine learning. You will be encouraged to learn new skills and develop your own ideas, and you will share your findings at conferences and in peer-reviewed journals. These experiences will pave the way for diverse career paths in industry, consultancy, governmental agencies, or universities.

To be considered for the position you will have:

• A Master’s degree in geomodeling, geology, sedimentology, geomorphology, physical geography, hydrogeology, or a closely related field.
• Proficiency in a high-level programming language, preferably Python (you can showcase your coding skills through platforms like GitHub, GitLab, Zenodo, …).
• A keen interest for interdisciplinary approaches and collaborative research across multiple disciplines.

It would be a strong plus for you to have:

• A background in computational geoscience.
• Familiarity with low-level programming languages (e.g., C, C++, or Fortran).
• Practical experience in software development.

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.

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 € 2770 per month in the first year to € 3539 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 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.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Civil Engineering & 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.

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