The TU Delft is opening a PhD position in the project 'Minimizing the risk of induced seismicity associated with geothermal energy in fractured reservoirs'. Induced earthquakes are among the biggest problems for subsurface operations, where especially in fractured reservoirs the risk is considered significant. The aim of this project is to gain insight into the complex interactions between processes inducing stress changes on faults above, in, and below a fractured carbonate reservoir and the subsequent reactivation of these faults in the presence of geothermal engineering activities.

In this project we will extend the Delft Advanced Research Terra Simulator (DARTS) for rigorous modeling of fracture and karst systems in the presence of thermal stresses. It will be fully coupled with poro- and thermo-elastic effects as well as contact mechanics to represent fractures and faults. This will increase our simulation capabilities to account for the presence of a large fault zone in terms of flow. We will explore various scenarios of geothermal doublets located at different distances and relative positions in respect to the faulted and karstified region and compare the modeling results to the data from three pilot sites..

Note that the PhD student on this numerical project will work closely together with a PhD student on an experimental PhD project. Both PhDs will be in contact with an international industrial/academic steering committee and work with data from various geothermal locations.  

We welcome all applicants from various engineering disciplines, including (bot not limited to) Civil, Mechanical and Petroleum Engineering, as well as Applied Mathematics. Our strict requirement is that the candidates must have strong scientific skills on computational methods, numerical analyses, and programming. Candidates with a good background on physics of porous media flow, poromechanics, and geomechanics will be preferred. Soft skills, including communication skills (both written and spoken English, knowledge of Dutch or German is a plus), public awareness and a team player attitude are very important.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

TU Delft offers PhD-candidates a 4-year contract, with an official go/no go progress assessment after one year. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2395 per month in the first year to € 3061 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 and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

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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 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.

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