Excited to advance the field of geothermal energy? Looking for a new hands-on challenge investigating thermo-mechanics of reservoir rocks and to understand when faults slip due to cooling? Join us!
Job description
We are opening a 2 year postdoctoral researcher position funded by NWO on experimental mechanics and material behaviour modelling of thermo-mechanical processes occuring in geothermal energy extraction.
Geothermal energy is a local and essential source for heating in the energy mix of the future and must be sustainably scaled up. However, seismicity is a major societal concern. Currently, conservative assessments of seismicity (i.e., predicting higher seismicity than likely to occur) are one reason for projects not passing the exploration stage, and seismic activity related to gas extraction has resulted in a public acceptance risk of all subsurface activities. In this project, we are going to address the following scientific question: ‘When can reservoir cooling in sedimentary geothermal projects lead to significant seismic activity?’ The project combines laboratory experiments, geophysical field monitoring and numerical reservoir modelling.
This postdoctoral researcher will work on three main tasks. The first task is to investigate the thermo-mechanical and hydraulic properties of geothermal reservoir rock, focusing on thermal expansion and heterogeneity in permeability. This will be done under relevant stress-temperature conditions. The second task is to work on the relation between thermal expansion and fault slip under triaxial stress states. The third task is to work together with another postdoctoral researcher focused on numerical modelling to develop a constitutive model that can be adapted for use in numerical modeling of specific reservoirs. The candidate will work within the Rock Mechanics lab and in conjunction with the Rock Mechanics team of PhDs and PDs, and will be embedded in the lively Geothermal Theme of TU Delft. Moreover, you will work closely with the other two postdoctoral researchers hired in the project to work on the reservoir modeling and geophysical data.
Job requirements
- PhD in Earth Sciences, Experimental Physics, Geotechnical Engineering or closely related discipline equivalent when the position starts.
- Experience with and love for experimental work.
- Experience with rock deformation equipment (triaxial testing, fault mechanics, thermo-mechanics).
- Solid understanding of rock mechanics, including volumetric deformation and shear failure.
- Ability to work independently, manage experimental programmes, and collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary research team.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, including the ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals.
The following will be considered a plus:
- Experience with test rock deformation under temperature controlled conditions.
- Experience with constitutive modeling.
- Affinity with the advancement of geothermal energy.
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.
Challenge. Change. Impact!
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. 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.
Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences.
Conditions of employment
- Duration of contract is 2 years. Temporary.
- A job of 32-38 hours per week.
- 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 on their website 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.
Additional information
Excited about this advertisement but you are uncertain if you should apply or you still have questions? Please contact dr. Anne Pluymakers (Anne.Pluymakers@tudelft.nl) or Prof Phil Vardon (p.j.vardon@tudelft.nl) for more information about this vacancy
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 31 March 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:
- Recent CV.
- Motivation letter explaining how your experience matches the requirements for this position (max 2 pg).
- Publication list incl. a max. one-page summary of your PhD thesis.
- Contact details for two referees.
You can address your application to Anne Pluymakers, Associate professor.
Please note:
- You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
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