PhD Position Process-based modeling of fluvial deposits at (sub)reservoir scale

From freshwater to energy and raw materials, our entire society is built on resources from the subsurface whose distribution depends on how fluids circulate underground. To better manage those resources, we need to better predict fluid flow in the subsurface, and to better predict fluid flow, we need to better predict the physical properties of the rocks and sediments that steer it. Unfortunately, the sparsity and poor quality of subsurface data means that we only have a rough overview of what lies below the ground, while subsurface properties can change drastically even over short distances.
As a PhD candidate at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), you will conduct research to enhance our ability to predict the distribution of fluvial deposits in the subsurface. You will focus on developing a model simulating fluvial processes with four main objectives:

1. Simulating deposits below the channel-width scale in 3D.
2. Capturing the transition in space and time between different river styles.
3. Mapping the variations of sedimentary heterogeneity into the parameter space of the model.
4. Quantifying the impact of simplifying the heterogeneity on subsurface flow and transport processes.

A key output of your work will be an open-source software package to generate 3D representations of grain size variations at (sub-)reservoir scale over geological timescales.
You will join the Applied Geology section in the department of Geoscience & Engineering, where you will find a vibrant and collaborative environment in which you will have the opportunity to interact with experts in geomodeling, sedimentology, stratigraphy, geophysics, reservoir engineering, and machine learning. You will be encouraged to learn new skills and develop your own ideas, and you will share your findings at conferences and in peer-reviewed journals. These experiences will pave the way for diverse career paths in industry, consultancy, governmental agencies, or universities.

Requirements:

To be considered for the position you will have:

• A Master’s degree in geomodeling, geology, sedimentology, geomorphology, hydrogeology, or a closely related field.
• Experience with geological modeling or with erosion and sediment transport modeling.
• Proficiency in a high-level programming language, preferably Python.
• A keen interest for interdisciplinary approaches and collaborative research across multiple disciplines.

It would be a strong plus for you to have one of the following:

• Experience with stratigraphic modeling.
• Familiarity with low-level programming languages (e.g., C, C++, or Fortran; you can showcase your coding skills through platforms like GitHub, GitLab, Zenodo,..)
• Practical experience in software development.

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.

Salary Benefits:

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.

38 - 40 hours per week

Mekelweg 2