Postdoc in Tunnel Modelling for Geological Disposal of Radioactive Waste

Join TUNED and develop the models that will enable engineers to design 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 formations 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 post-doctoral researcher 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 postdoctoral researcher, you will develop models needed to design tunnels with concrete lining at disposal depth. You will address the following questions:

• How can monitoring data from the HADES underground research laboratory be used to build and validate a high-fidelity reference model of tunnel-clay interaction?
• Which parameters and mechanisms govern the response of a lined tunnel?
• How can the complex, time-dependent behaviour of deep plastic clay and segmented concrete lining be captured in models that are simple and efficient enough for parametric design, yet reliable enough to be trusted?
• Can a coupled engineering-level model reliably reproduce the interaction between clay and lining, turning high-fidelity insight into a practical design tool?

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 a PhD degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• You have experience in finite element and constitutive modelling applied to geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, or construction materials.
• You have a track record of independent research, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications.
• You have a strong interest in applied, solution-oriented research, and enjoy developing practical, implementable engineering solutions.
• You are self-motivated, communicate well, and collaborate easily with others.
• You have excellent written and spoken English (minimum requirement: TOEFL score of 100, or IELTS 7.0 on all sub-skills).

Nice-to-haves:

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

About TU Delft

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.

Faculty of 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 availability, urbanisation and clean water. Our research projects are conducted in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced of the importance of open science and supports its scientists in integrating open science in their research practice.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 18 months. Temporary appointment.
• 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.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible. The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands and expand your social network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.