An ambitious field trial in the Netherlands employs the situ-stabilization techniques of aeration and leachate recirculation to reduce long-term emissions from landfills and bring them out of aftercare within the next decade. This large-scale pilot project started in 2017, is world-leading and potentially transformative for the landfill industry in developing and demonstrating a new approach to post-closure management.

Within the context of these field trials we are running the NWO project CURE: “Coupled multi-process research for reducing landfill emissions”. This project is a collaboration between the TU Delft, Wageningen University Research, University of Southampton and the University of Delaware. Currently, four PhD researchers and two Postdocs are working in the project.

An important aim of the research is to predict the long term behavior of the landfill after stabilization. To do this we aim to integrate the results obtained in the different work packages of CURE with the data obtained by the industry partners running the field trial. The resulting (stochastic) model has to be a well-founded tool with which long-term predictions can be made of the dynamics in the emissions (50 to 100 years) under various conditions. This tool has to be accepted by the Dutch authorities and be able to be used by environmental consultants.

In this project you collaborate with the research team of the TU Delft, the University of Southampton and the University of Delaware as well as with the industry partners Afvalzorg Holding, Attero and the Dutch Sustainable Landfill Foundation.

• MSc degree and/or PhD in Earth Sciences, Biogeosciences, Civil Engineering, Hydrogeology, or Hydrology;
• Strong programming skills in at least Python and Matlab;
• Experience in developing and coding numerical stochastic models;
• Database management skills (SQL);
• The willingness to be part of a larger team and participate in joint activities such as carrying out field campaigns;
• Ability to plan and work independently within a team environment;
• Good communication skills;
• Driving license (mandatory).

Fixed-term contract: 3 years.

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 we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation. An International Children's Centre offers childcare and there is an international primary school.

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.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

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 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.

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