PhD vacatures

Excited to advance the field of geothermal energy? Looking for a new hands‑on challenge investigating thermo‑mechanics of reservoir rocks and understanding 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. This role will address the 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.

Key responsibilities:

• Investigate thermo‑mechanical and hydraulic properties of geothermal reservoir rock, focusing on thermal expansion and permeability heterogeneity under relevant stress‑temperature conditions.
• Study the relation between thermal expansion, fault slip, and triaxial stress states.
• Collaborate with another postdoctoral researcher on numerical modelling to develop a constitutive model adaptable for specific reservoirs.
• Work within the Rock Mechanics lab and the Geothermal Theme of TU Delft, collaborating with PhD and PD teams.

• PhD in Earth Sciences, Experimental Physics, Geotechnical Engineering or a closely related discipline, awarded before the position start.
• Experience and enthusiasm 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 within a multidisciplinary research team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, including the ability to publish in peer‑reviewed journals.

Additional qualifications that are considered a plus:

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

• Duration: 2 years (temporary).
• Work load: 32‑38 hours per week.
• Salary and benefits in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• Excellent pension scheme via ABP.
• Annual individual employment package adjustments.
• Health insurer discounts on supplemental packages.
• Flexible working week.
• 232 leave hours per year (at 38‑hour week), with options to sell or buy additional leave hours.
• Opportunities for education, training, and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave.
• Health and vitality program support.

Interested candidates should apply no later than 31 March 2026 using the application button and upload the following documents:

• Recent CV.
• Motivation letter (max 2 pages) explaining how your experience matches the requirements.
• Publication list with a one‑page summary of your PhD thesis.
• Contact details for two referees.

Send applications online. Email or postal applications are not processed.

For questions, contact Dr. Anne Pluymakers (Anne.Pluymakers@tudelft.nl) or Prof. Phil Vardon (p.j.vardon@tudelft.nl).

We value diversity and believe in a fair and inclusive workplace.