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.
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 (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.
TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.
For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.
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 join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.
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
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 €3204 - 4051 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
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.
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
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Anne-Catherine Dieudonné (a.c.dieudonne@tudelft.nl).
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 24 August 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:
- CV and a motivation letter covering your research interest and relevant experience in relation to the position.
- Your list of grades/transcripts (BSc and MSc.
- A one-page summary of your MSc thesis.
- Applicants selected for an interview will be asked to provide contact information of 2 references.
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. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.
Please note:
- You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
- As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, 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. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
- Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.
