Postdoc in the Integrated Modelling of Heating Systems using Subsurface Storage

Integration of heating and cooling sources and demand.

Job description 

At present, heating and cooling represents around 50% of the final energy use in Europe and is mainly supplied by fossil fuel derived energy. The performance of sustainable heating and cooling supply systems is tightly coupled to the heating and cooling demand. In this postdoctoral researcher project you will contribute to the modelling of energy systems integrating subsurface energy extraction and storage systems with the buildings which they supply. In addition, you will contribute to teaching on the Sustainable Energy Technology Programme.

You will work on two externally funded projects, one related to energy extraction from in-land waterways via energy geostructures and the second on the performance of ATES energy storage systems. In both projects, integration of the systems where the heat is produced and used is key. Hence, accurate simulation of production temperature and subsurface processes affecting this is a key task to be able to control and optimise system performance. In both projects, the collection of data, system modelling and validation are the key research methods. The validated models are then used to assess how all components function together under various load conditions and control schemes, and how their performance can be optimised. You will assess the energy flexibility and reliability of the system under varying energy demand conditions over the lifetime of the building(s) supplied.

Activities.

In this PD you will contribute to various aspects of modelling and integrating various energy systems:

• Input into the coordination and organisation of the activities at experimental sites on the Delft campus, with a focus on ensuring monitoring systems retrieve needed data for model validation.
• Investigate the performance of the project by carrying out modelling and comparing with field data, with a focus on (but not limited to) the subsurface temperature and flow performance.
• Integrating existing individual component models into energy system models. Modelling strategies and integration approaches and interfaces will need to be developed in order to reduce the computational load.
• Investigate how system integration affects subsurface energy storage performance and how control options can influence overall system performance.
• Support education in the MSc Sustainable Energy Technology programme by giving lectures, supporting tutorials and guiding thesis projects.

Job requirements 

We are looking for an excellent candidate with the following qualifications, knowledge and skills:

• An MSc and PhD degree in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, applied earth science or another degree with a substantial fluid flow, mechanics/dynamics and/or control content.
• Experience of modelling building climate systems, and it would be an advantage if you had experience of model validation with monitoring data and/or in integrating with other models such as subsurface models. 
• A team player who thrives working with people in different organisations with different skillsets.
• A curiosity-inspired and creative researcher who is able to plan, execute, deliver and communicate research.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

Conditions of employment 

• Duration of contract is 11 months. Temporary external finance.
• A job of 36-40 hours per week. 
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch 
• 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. 

You will be hosted by the Geo-Engineering and Water Resources Sections in the faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences (Stories of Science (tudelft.nl)) at TU Delft. Joining our enthusiastic and inter-disciplinary team, you will have the opportunity to work in close collaboration with leading researchers and companies across Europe and NL, and collaborate in detail with industry partners. Geared to your experience, you will receive all the support and coaching you need to develop your academic career. The supervision team comprises Professor Phil Vardon and Associate Professor Martin Bloemendal. 

For this position we offer an 11-month contract, with a probation period of 2 months, if you are not already employed at TU Delft. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

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 Phil Vardon, p.j.vardon@tudelft.nl, or Martin Bloemendal, j.m.bloemendal@tudelft.nl.     

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 25 November 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter

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