Postdoc Best Available Technology in Deep-seabed Mining

Interested in working with science and engineering partners on researching how we can better assess and mitigate risks associated with deep-sea mining technology?

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to join a research team exploring the technical and environmental performance of deep-sea mining concepts. You will be part of the team working with dr. Rudy Helmons (dredging, marine minerals) and dr. Austin Kana (design methodology, complex systems), where you will work on the development of an assessment framework to identify Best Available Technology (BAT).

As technology matures, leaving the concept development stage and entering the pilot testing stage, there is a growing need for standards and guidelines to facilitate assessment of what constitutes Best Available Technology. Within this project, we will develop a framework to assess BAT at a practical level, with an emphasis on technology analysis. Facilitating qualitative and, where possible, quantitative comparison of technologies will aid in defining what technology has the potential to become BAT. The suitability of the framework will be tested through case studies for various technology concepts for the exploitation of polymetallic nodules and seafloor massive sulphide deposits. The postdoc will collaborate closely with project partners, especially from the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ) and the Norwegian University for Science and Technology (NTNU). Furthermore, together with the TU Delft and NTNU team, the postdoc is expected to bring the engineering perspective to the entire MiningImpact3 project.

About MiningImpact3

MiningImpact is an international research project studying the environmental impacts of future deep-sea mining, focusing on polymetallic nodule fields in the Pacific and seafloor massive sulfides in the Atlantic. The third phase examines changes in environmental variables, biodiversity, and ecosystem functions over space and time, including the long-term effects of test-mining conducted in 2021. Dutch researchers from the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Utrecht University, Naturalis, and TU Delft contribute by studying biodiversity, plume dispersal, food-web changes, restoration options, and governance frameworks. The findings will support regulations and management tools for deep-sea mining. Public engagement through exhibitions and science-art collaborations ensures transparency on environmental risks and knowledge gaps.

Job requirements

We seek an enthusiastic, independent, and energetic candidate who has a keen interest in offshore, dredging or marine mining applications to study the best options for robust, reliable deep-sea mining systems, and how to encourage industry to use and develop equipment with the least negative impacts for potential future deep-sea mining.

You are a team player, with:

• A PhD degree in mechanical engineering, maritime/ocean engineering, civil engineering, mining engineering or a closely related field.
• A solid background in fluid mechanics, offshore applications and/or systems design.
• Experience with design of complex coupled systems, preferably in the maritime/offshore environment.
• An open, communicative, and collaborative attitude.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary setting.

About TU Delft

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.

Faculty Mechanical Engineering

The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering offers a dynamic and innovative environment with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. Its work spans fundamental understanding, design, production, application and improvement of materials, processes and mechanical systems, with strong interdisciplinary collaboration and a focus on societal impact. It brings together different disciplines and translates knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract: 21 months temporary.
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• Flexible working week.
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave.
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.
• If relocation to the Netherlands is needed, TU Delft offers support to help make the move as smooth as possible, including relocation information, events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and a Dual Career Programme to support an accompanying partner with their job search.

As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel to help prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by candidates, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest.