Postdoc Experimental Thermo-Mechanics Geothermal Energy

Offer Description

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!

We are opening a 2 year postdoctoral researcher position funded by NWO on experimental mechanics and material behaviour modelling of thermo‑mechanical processes occurring 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 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 modelling 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 modelling and geophysical data.

• 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.

• Experience with test rock deformation under temperature controlled conditions.
• Experience with constitutive modelling.
• Affinity with the advancement of geothermal energy.

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.

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