PhD on Numerical Modelling of Subsurface Erosion in Dikes and Geothermal Wells

Are you passionate about understanding hidden soil failure processes? Join us to explore how subsurface erosion leads to dike instability and sand production in geothermal wells using cutting-edge FEM modelling.

Information
In this PhD position, you contribute to a high-impact research project that combines advanced modelling with lab-scale experimentation to better understand and predict subsurface erosion phenomena.

Subsurface erosion—often invisible until it causes catastrophic damage—poses major risks to buried infrastructure. In this PhD project, you will investigate two pressing real-world challenges: sand production in geothermal boreholes and backward erosion piping in dikes. Both processes are driven by internal erosion mechanisms, which will be studied by developing and extending coupled hydro-mechanical erosion models.

This research simulates subsurface erosion in geothermal wells and dikes with advanced finite element models calibrated through small- and medium-scale laboratory experiments. It investigates the effects of soil properties, flow paths, and scale, aiming to develop practical prediction tools for engineering applications.

You will be part of the chairs of Applied Mechanics and Engineering Thermodynamics for Energy Systems at the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Netherlands. You will work closely with experts in numerical simulations, soil mechanics and geotechnical modelling. Your work will help safeguard infrastructure, improve geothermal energy systems, and enhance flood protection strategies—contributing to climate-resilient, sustainable development. You will be part of a supportive, inclusive, and multidisciplinary team tackling real-world problems with global relevance.

This project will be embedded within the BEHeaT program on subsurface heat extraction of the Eindhoven Institute for Renewable Energy Systems (EIRES) of the TU/e, serving as a valuable addition to the suite of methodologies for sustainable heat generation. Approaching the topic from a systems perspective within the broader BEHeaT framework, and linking related efforts from the Built Environment and Mechanical Engineering departments, the project strengthens interdepartmental collaboration and aligns well with EIRES’s energy transition goals.

We welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds and encourage applicants who are enthusiastic, curious, and driven by impact. At TU/e, you will find a supportive and collaborative research environment where you can grow as both a scientist and a professional.

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 max. € 3,881).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.