PhD Position Quantifying Geological, Technical, and Economic Uncertainties During Geothermal Exploration and Appraisal

We are recruiting a PhD candidate to join a major European research consortium that will develop new technologies to appraise geothermal resources faster, at less cost, and at a higher success rate. The PhD candidate’s research will focus on developing and applying new methods that quantify how innovative exploration workflows and techniques, as well as different datasets, help us to constrain technical and economic uncertainties when appraising and developing geothermal resources. These workflows will be tested on both, synthetic data and data available for different geothermal case studies, ranging from sedimentary systems for district heating to fractured basement systems and volcanic systems for power production.
More specifically, in this PhD project you will simulate heat and fluid flow for ensembles of reservoir models that represent these case studies. You will also support the data collection for some of these geothermal systems to refine geological concepts and update reservoir models where necessary. Finally, you will perform a probabilistic techno-economic assessment to quantify how improved geothermal exploration and appraisal workflows, and different types of (new) data, change our assessment of the technical and economic uncertainties in a given geothermal system.
During the course of this PhD project, you will also contribute to the development of an open-source toolkit  that enables a more streamlined and integrated approach for geothermal exploration and appraisal. Your results and findings will also inform the design of tailored communication and training materials to co-create better understanding among a variety of stakeholders in geothermal energy, and support the upskilling of an existing workforce in different aspects related to geothermal energy.

Requirements:

As a successful applicant, you hold a relevant MSc degree in applied geology, hydrogeology, or (geothermal) reservoir engineering. Ideally, you are already able to contribute some experience in integrating geoscience with fluid flow modelling or have knowledge in simulating heat and fluid flow processes in (fractured) geological formations. A sound quantitative approach to subsurface geoscience challenges and programming experience (e.g., Python, Matlab) is highly desirable.
Due to the highly interdisciplinary, international, and collaborative nature of the research consortium, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the desire to work in a very diverse and interdisciplinary environment, are an essential requirement.
Are you enthusiastic about geothermal energy? Do you have a strong background in geology, hydrogeology, or (geothermal) reservoir engineering and feel that you are a good match for the position but cannot yet tick all the boxes? 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.     
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 hours per week

Mekelweg 2