Post-Doctoral Researcher in Computational Geomechanics of Gas Migration in Clays

Job description

Recent advances in the field have demonstrated that heterogeneity and hydro-mechanical processes strongly control gas transport in low-permeability clays, and that gas migration may involve the development of localised pathways. While high-fidelity models that explicitly represent such processes provide valuable insight into the underlying physics, they also highlight two key challenges.

First, hydro-mechanical coupling is not yet fully integrated within stochastic modelling frameworks, limiting our ability to assess the combined effects of material variability and mechanical behaviour. Second, models that explicitly represent localised features are computationally too expensive for large-scale and long-term simulations, such as those required for repository performance assessment.

The central objective of this project is therefore to develop an efficient stochastic hydro-mechanical modelling framework for gas migration in clays, capable of bridging detailed process understanding and large-scale applications. Key research directions include:

• Developing physics-based upscaled models informed by high-fidelity simulations of gas migration processes
• Exploring the use of deep learning techniques to generate realistic heterogeneous material representations and to support stochastic hydro-mechanical simulations
• Extending existing modelling approaches to include hydro-mechanical coupling in heterogeneous materials
• Incorporating uncertainty quantification (UQ) to assess the impact of spatial variability and uncertainty in material parameters on gas migration.

This position is part of Work Package HERMES of EURAD-2, funded by the European Commission. The project focuses on high-fidelity numerical simulations of strongly coupled processes for repository systems and design optimisation with physical models and machine learning.

Job requirements
Need-to-haves:

• PhD in computational (geo)mechanics, or a related discipline
• Interest in uncertainty quantification
• Self-motivated, curiosity-driven, and open to communicating and cooperating with others
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English

Nice-to-haves:

• Experience in deep learning, scientific software development and code management
• Knowledge of the radioactive waste management field.

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.

Post-Doctoral Researcher in Computational Geomechanics of Gas Migration in Clays

Job description

Recent advances in the field have demonstrated that heterogeneity and hydro-mechanical processes strongly control gas transport in low-permeability clays, and that gas migration may involve the development of localised pathways. While high-fidelity models that explicitly represent such processes provide valuable insight into the underlying physics, they also highlight two key challenges.

First, hydro-mechanical coupling is not yet fully integrated within stochastic modelling frameworks, limiting our ability to assess the combined effects of material variability and mechanical behaviour. Second, models that explicitly represent localised features are computationally too expensive for large-scale and long-term simulations, such as those required for repository performance assessment.

The central objective of this project is therefore to develop an efficient stochastic hydro-mechanical modelling framework for gas migration in clays, capable of bridging detailed process understanding and large-scale applications. Key research directions include:

• Developing physics-based upscaled models informed by high-fidelity simulations of gas migration processes
• Exploring the use of deep learning techniques to generate realistic heterogeneous material representations and to support stochastic hydro-mechanical simulations
• Extending existing modelling approaches to include hydro-mechanical coupling in heterogeneous materials
• Incorporating uncertainty quantification (UQ) to assess the impact of spatial variability and uncertainty in material parameters on gas migration.

This position is part of Work Package HERMES of EURAD-2, funded by the European Commission. The project focuses on high-fidelity numerical simulations of strongly coupled processes for repository systems and design optimisation with physical models and machine learning.

Job requirements
Need-to-haves:

• PhD in computational (geo)mechanics, or a related discipline
• Interest in uncertainty quantification
• Self-motivated, curiosity-driven, and open to communicating and cooperating with others
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English

Nice-to-haves:

• Experience in deep learning, scientific software development and code management
• Knowledge of the radioactive waste management field.

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.

PhD Position Nanophotonics and Photonic Integrated Circuits

Job description

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate to work on the development of next-generation compact optical imaging systems based on integrated photonics. The project aims to enable high-resolution imaging and sensing in a highly miniaturized platform that overcomes the limitations of conventional large-scale microscopy techniques.

You will explore novel optical effects in nanophotonic structures to achieve both high imaging resolution and efficient light collection, with applications ranging from biological imaging and surface inspection to semiconductor metrology. The work combines fundamental physics with cutting-edge photonic device engineering and offers opportunities for collaboration in an international research environment.

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in physics, electrical engineering, photonics, or a related field, with a strong interest in optics and experimental or computational research.

Job requirements
Applicants should hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in physics, electrical engineering, photonics, or a related field, with a strong interest in optics, nanofabrication, and experimental and computational research.

Other mandatory requirements

• MSc or equivalent in Physics or Engineering.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Critical thinking.

Not mandatory but considered plus

• Familiarity with photonics integrated circuits (design, simulation, testing).
• Nanofabrication (particularly nanofabrication of photonics integrated circuits).
• Familiarity with microscopy (theoretical and experimental are both valuable).
• Familiarity with quantum photonics.

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 Applied Sciences
With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we educate innovative students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.