Postdoc in Multiscale Modeling and Simulation of Fractured Reservoirs for Subsurface Storage of Carbon Dioxide and Green Hydrogen

Subsurface geological formations contribute significantly to decarbonization of energy sector and climate action. To achieve a green net-zero world, carbon dioxide is expected to be stored in the subsurface formations by 3-10 Gt per year. Moreover, 20 Mt of green hydrogen per year is expected to enter the EU energy market by 2030. Such a transfer towards green gas can happen successfully if large-scale storage technologies are also developed. For that depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs and aquifers are seen as the viable options. Safe and effective utilisation of these formations require advanced simulation techniques, which allow for multiscale heterogeneities treatments to contain the uncertainties to a societally acceptable level. Many of these geological formations are fractured. Fractures are heterogeneous and can be flow highways or even as sealing barriers. Their applicable, accurate and scalable simulation treatment in the computational domain requires strategies which allow for embedded approaches along with multiscale strategies. Such strategies would then need to allow for dynamic crossing of the resolutions, with adaptively refined mesh capacities, to contain the spurious numerical errors specially at the locations of high sensitivities and fluid fronts.

The postdoc researcher will lead advancement of our existing methodologies and open-source inhouse simulator DARSim to allow for simulation of carbon-dioxide and hydrogen flow in the fractured subsurface formations. This will allow to quantify the impact of fractures on security of the storage, whether permanent (as for carbon-dioxide) or temporarily/cyclic (as for hydrogen). She/he is motivated to contribute to teaching and student mentorship activities, as well as academic organizational activities.

The Postdoc candidate needs to hold a relevant PhD degree in computational geoscience field or applied mathematics or any engineering field. Having strong numerical and programming skills for forward and/or inverse problems are crucial. Communication, interpersonal and leadership skills are essential to conduct the project successfully. 

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 therefore pledge to fully account for any circumstances that the applicants disclose (e.g. parental leave, caring duties, part-time jobs to support studies, disabilities etc.) to ensure an inclusive and fair recruitment process that does not rely purely on common research metrics.

We are looking forward to receiving your application containing your CV, cover letter outlining your motivation for the pursuing this Postdoc Position, and the names of two referees. Applications must be submitted online. Applications received by email or social media cannot be processed. 

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.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.

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!

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click here  to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof.dr. Hadi Hajibeygi ([email protected]) and Prof.dr.ir. Kees Vuik ([email protected]).      

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply before September 1, 2024 via the application button and upload your motivation and CV.

• A detailed CV in English (including a list of publications).
• A short motivation letter addressing your interests and describing your fit with the advertised position (max. 2 pages).
• The name and contact details of two references.

• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.