PhD Position Electromagnetic Geophysics - Characterisation of Direct-Use Geothermal Systems

Challenge: Coupling subsurface properties and geothermal fluid temperatures.

Change: Improved simulations and monitoring options of geothermal systems.

Impact: Better managing energy resources.     

Job description

Geothermal systems have the potential to significantly reduce CO2 emissions, but characterising and monitoring them effectively is key. Electromagnetic geophysics can be used to monitor geothermal systems as changes in subsurface temperatures are linked to differences in electrical resistivities. However, challenges like electromagnetic noise and not well-defined physical relationships between resistivity and aquifer temperature require innovative solutions to obtain precise measurements and characterise reservoir behaviour; i.e. locations and intensity of temperature contrasts and changes over time.

As a PhD candidate, you will contribute to geothermal system monitoring through:

• Demonstrating and improving electromagnetic monitoring in urban areas.
• Validating and refining the empirically derived resistivity-temperature relationship for water-bearing rocks.
• Devloping combined heat transfer and electromagnetic simulations to enhance the understanding of geothermal systems.

Your research activities will comprise running numerical simulations, contributing to existing modelling codes, participating in field works and conducting laboratory experiments. You will work closely with colleagues from the Geoscience and Engineering Department of TU Delft and engage with a divers team of international partners.

This PhD project is linked to the TU Delft High-Temperature Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (HT-ATES) site within the framework of the PUSH-IT (Piloting Underground Seasonal Heat Storage in Geothermal Reservoirs) project. Therefore, this PhD position presents an exceptional opportunity for engagement with the international PUSH-IT community, characterised by both the availability of data and the tangible impact of actively mitigating CO2 emissions through the utilisation of the seasonal heat storage infrastructure.

At TU Delft, we offer a supportive and inclusive working environment that values international collaboration, innovation, and work-life balance. If you’re enthusiastic about combining science, innovation, and societal impact, we’d love to hear from you. Join us in shaping a more sustainable future!

Requirements

We are looking for a motivated and knowledgable PhD candidate to join our team. To thrive in this role, you

• Hold or are about to complete an MSc degree in geophysics, geoscience, reservoir engineering, applied physics, or a related field.
• Have a solid understanding of electromagnetic geophysical theory and basic geology.
• Are proficient in at least one high-level programming language.
• Are interested in conducting field and laboratory work.
• Are open to interdisciplinary approaches and collaborative research.
• Are keen to grow to become an independent researcher in the field of electromagnetic geophysics.

Experience with numerical simulations, data assimilation techniques, and familiarity with low-level programming languages and software development are welcomed, but no must-haves. If you are ready to learn, we will support you!

In addition, excellent communication and interpersonal skills are an essential component for this position. Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate can 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.

Are you enthusiastic about electromagnetic monitoring of geothermal systems? Do you have a strong background in geophysics and feel that you are a good match for the position but cannot yet tick all the boxes or need some time to finish your MSc degree? 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.    

We are acutely aware that we are a diverse society and not every talented student will have had the same opportunities to advance their careers. We will not discriminate against individual circumstances (e.g. parental leave, caring duties, disabilities etc.) to ensure an inclusive and fair recruitment process. We will also consider a wide range of possible career paths, not only common research metrics.

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 

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.

Additional information

I For more information about this vacancy, please contact Paula Rulff (P.Rulff@tudelft.nl), Alexandros Daniilidis (A.Daniilidis@tudelft.nl), Denis Voskov (D.V.Voskov@tudelft.nl) or Guy Drijkoningen (G.G.Drijkoningen@tudelft.nl).        

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 20 February 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• Motivation letter outlining your interest in pursuing a PhD, your interest in this particular project, and how your experience will benefit the project.
• Detailed CV including the (expected) MSc defence date.
• Names and contact information of at least two relevant references, support letters are not required, but nice-to-haves.
• Academic record and list of courses and grades of the MSc curriculum you follow(ed).
• If possible, a master thesis (or other research outputs).

You can address your application to Dr. Paula Rulff.

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. 
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• A knowledge security check will be part of the selection procedure (for details page 45: national knowledge security guidelines).
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.