PhD Position Quantifying Geological, Technical

Would you like to join an interdisciplinary and international team to innovate exploration workflows and constrain technical and economic uncertainties for geothermal energy?

Job description

We are recruiting a PhD candidate to join a major European research consortium that will develop new technologies to appraise geothermal resources faster, at less cost, and at a higher success rate. The PhD candidate’s research will focus on developing and applying new methods that quantify how innovative exploration workflows and techniques, as well as different datasets, help us to constrain technical and economic uncertainties when appraising and developing geothermal resources. These workflows will be tested on both, synthetic data and data available for different geothermal case studies, ranging from sedimentary systems for district heating to fractured basement systems and volcanic systems for power production.

More specifically, in this PhD project you will simulate heat and fluid flow for ensembles of reservoir models that represent these case studies. You will also support the data collection for some of these geothermal systems to refine geological concepts and update reservoir models where necessary. Finally, you will perform a probabilistic techno-economic assessment to quantify how improved geothermal exploration and appraisal workflows, and different types of (new) data, change our assessment of the technical and economic uncertainties in a given geothermal system.

During the course of this PhD project, you will also contribute to the development of an open-source toolkit that enables a more streamlined and integrated approach for geothermal exploration and appraisal. Your results and findings will also inform the design of tailored communication and training materials to co-create better understanding among a variety of stakeholders in geothermal energy, and support the upskilling of an existing workforce in different aspects related to geothermal energy.

Requirements

As a successful applicant, you hold a relevant MSc degree in applied geology, hydrogeology, or (geothermal) reservoir engineering. Ideally, you are already able to contribute some experience in integrating geoscience with fluid flow modelling or have knowledge in simulating heat and fluid flow processes in (fractured) geological formations. A sound quantitative approach to subsurface geoscience challenges and programming experience (e.g., Python, Matlab) is highly desirable.

Due to the highly interdisciplinary, international, and collaborative nature of the research consortium, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the desire to work in a very diverse and interdisciplinary environment, are an essential requirement.

Are you enthusiastic about geothermal energy? Do you have a strong background in geology, hydrogeology, or (geothermal) reservoir engineering and feel that you are a good match for the position but cannot yet tick all the boxes? Then please still get in touch with us as we would like to hear more about your vision for this project and are keen to learn how your skills could contribute to the planned research.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis.

TU Delft (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 as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Faculty Civil Engineering & 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. 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.

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.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2872 per month in the first year to € 3670 in the fourth year. 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.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.