PhD Position on Experimental Fluid-rock Interaction in Carbonates

Curious about figuring out why rocks break, specifically limestones? You would like a job with a mix of desk- and lab-work? This hands-on experimental PhD position might be something for you!

Job description

Half of sedimentary formations worldwide consists of limestone, which is highly chemically reactive at all depths where engineering activities take place. Furthermore, water is everywhere in the Earth’s crust, and it impacts every single process studied in geology, from volcanic eruptions to earthquakes, and from groundwater extraction to green energy production. Specifically subsurface engineering activities (geothermal energy, CO2 storage, drinking water production, etc.) often involve extraction or injection of fluids in sedimentary rocks, where chemistry is different from pure water.

This experimental project investigates how the chemical interaction between different fluids and limestone changes the failure behaviour of limestone rocks, and how we can improve monitoring and predictions of fluid migrations and seismicity using a combination of geophysical and chemical methods. The mechanical data generated in this project will be crucial to properly assess the risk of leakage or induced seismicity, with a specific focus on subsurface engineering projects that advance the energy transition, for example CO2 storage projects or geothermal energy.

In this role, you will:

• Characterize the brittle-ductile transition in three different limestone types.
• Systematically explore the effect of fluid additives on the failure behaviour under specific conditions.
• Use the data to develop new acoustic monitoring techniques to predict that rock failure is imminent.
• Test the newly designed monitoring techniques on dm-scale samples together with the team.
• Present the work at international conferences and workshops.

The work will be done in the Delft Rock Mechanics lab, with involvement of collaborators based in Strasbourg (Unistra) and Lausanne (EPFL). In Delft, you will be embedded in an enthusiastic team of experimentalists at the PhD and postdoc level, the Rock Deformation team. The Rock Deformation team is a dynamic and social core group of approximately 10 persons. The team has weekly scientific meetings to pick each other’s brains, fuelled by coffee and tea, and several social outings per year.

We are part of the Department of Geoscience and Engineering, housed within the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, and there is social and scientific contact with researchers from different disciplines. Specifically, there is the potential to liaise with the Geophysics group, but also with interdisciplinary groups of PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers working on the Geothermal theme or in Subsurface Storage.

In Strasbourg, dr. Alexandra Kushnir is an expert in fluid-rock interactions, especially in geothermal energy applications, and prof. Patrick Baud will offer additional expertise in limestone mechanics. At EPFL, prof. Marie Violay is a renowned expert in experimental fluid-rock interactions. The position is offered within the scope of the NWO-funded VIDI project “BRITTLENESS”, with dr. Anne Pluymakers in the lead. Anne is a specialist in fluid-rock interaction in rock mechanics and fault friction experiments, with broad experience in applying this knowledge to geothermal energy and CO2 storage applications. In Delft, dr. Auke Barnhoorn will take the role of promotor. Auke specializes in the link between acoustic monitoring and experimental rock interaction.

Job requirements

We are looking for someone who is excited about lab work, since you would need to perform an extensive experimental campaign to characterize different limestones under different pressures, temperatures and fluid conditions. It is a transdisciplinary project requiring interest in both physics (mechanics) and chemistry. Even if you may not know much about it now, we are looking for someone who loves expanding their horizon scientifically.

You have a hands-on attitude with respect to laboratory work, demonstrated by, for example, a love of repairing or building things or enjoyment of practical exercises during your studies. Any experience with rock deformation work will be a plus. In your contacts with colleagues and project partners, you put your communication skills to good use. You enjoy mentoring and interacting with students, while growing your own skills and expertise.

Need-to-have at the time the position starts (summer/autumn 2026):

• An MSc in a relevant subject, preferably Geoscience, Geology or Geotechnical Engineering, though related disciplines such as (Applied) Physics or (Applied) Chemistry are also suitable.
• Your curriculum should have included Continuum Mechanics and Thermodynamics.
• Affinity and enthusiasm for laboratory work. Learning on the job will definitely occur, but a practical mindset is a prerequisite.
• Programming skills sufficient to develop data analysis routines (Matlab, Python or equivalent).
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Strong communication skills to interact with supervisors, technical support staff and fellow experimentalists.
• English working proficiency, both oral and written.

TU Delft as an employer

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences

Conditions of employment

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 will be followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years, assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

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.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.