PhD Position in Tunnel Design for Geological Disposal of Radioactive Waste

Join TUNED to help develop design guidelines for tunnels in deep clay formations - an essential step in the Netherlands' journey towards safe, long-term disposal of nuclear waste.

Job description

As nuclear energy is set to play an increasingly important role in the Netherlands' energy transition, there is a growing responsibility to safely manage radioactive waste in the long term. Currently, deep geological disposal is recognised as the only feasible solution for the final disposal of radioactive waste. In the Netherlands, deep plastic clay formations are considered as potential host formation for the geological disposal of radioactive waste.

Designing tunnels in deep plastic clay formations as found in the Dutch subsurface is technically challenging since these clays deform over time and require a lining to maintain the tunnel stable. At depths of several hundred metres, validated design guidelines for this combination of challenges do not yet exist, which limits optimal decision-making.

This PhD position is part of TUNED (TUnnelontwerp en engineering voor een geologische eindberging in kleilagen in NEDerland), a 4-year research project bringing together TU Delft, COVRA, EURIDICE, Fugro, ONDRAF/NIRAS, and Tunnel Engineering Consultants. TUNED aims to deliver validated methods for tunnel design for disposal facilities in clay formations, reducing the technical and economic uncertainties that currently stand in the way of assessing this option.

As a PhD candidate, you will contribute to three connected parts of this effort:

• You will help translate functional and safety requirements into a practical Basis of Design for tunnels with concrete lining at disposal depth, establishing a transparent and traceable set of design requirements.
• You will work on the data analysis underlying the project's monitoring strategy, linking historical and new measurements from the HADES underground research laboratory to the design assumptions they are meant to validate.
• You will explore innovative tunnel support concepts, assessing their potential for use at disposal depth and what further validation they would require.

You will be primarily embedded in the Geo-Engineering section of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, with strong links with the Concrete Structures and Materials and Environment sections. Your supervisory team consists of Anne-Catherine Dieudonné, Wout Broere, Mladena Lukovic, and Erik Schlangen. Anne-Catherine Dieudonné is an expert in clay geomechanics and will act as scientific and technical coordinator of TUNED. Wout Broere is an expert in underground construction, focusing on the geotechnical aspects of mechanised tunnelling. Mladena Lukovic is an expert in the structural behaviour of high-performance and durable concretes, with a focus on interfaces in hybrid and reinforced concrete elements. Erik Schlangen is an expert in construction materials, with particular expertise in the fracture mechanics of concrete and self-healing materials. Together, this team offers a rare combination of expertise spanning clay geomechanics, tunnelling, concrete structures and concrete material - and a genuinely collaborative and supportive environment in which to develop as a researcher.

Job requirements

Need-to-haves:

• You hold an MSc degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• You have a strong interest in applied, solution-oriented research, and enjoy developing practical, implementable engineering solutions.
• You are interested in geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, and construction materials.
• You bring technical rigour to your work.
• You are self-motivated, communicate well, and collaborate easily with others.
• You have excellent written and spoken English.

Nice-to-haves:

• You have experience in the industry.
• You have some knowledge of Dutch.

TU Delft as an employer

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means joining an international community of professionals and students.

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, 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.

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