The Einstein telescope is an advanced gravitational-wave observatory aiming to shed new light on the nature of black holes and neutron stars as well as the first moments after the Big Bang and so to study the cosmos as never before. The project is currently in a planning stage and the border region of the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany is considered as a possible location. The telescope consists of km-long tunnels and large caverns that will be constructed 200-300 meters below the land surface. This makes it essential to characterize the subsurface in the targeted region as part of the site survey.

The PhD project we offer focusses on the geology of the Paleozoic (Devonian-Caroniferous) rock succession in South Limburg, the Netherlands and neighbouring countries. The project aims to considerably improve the understanding and (hydrostratigraphic) characterization of the subsurface, to produce an improved 3D geological model focussed on Paleozoic stratigraphy, structural setting and (hydrostratigraphic) rock properties. This will be done by collating and using legacy data and producing new data, which will be integrated into a comprehensive geological model. Legacy data comes from various sources and will be collected in collaboration and consultation with specialists in each field. New data include seismic 2D lines and data from the new tTEM system, a ground-based method for electromagnetic data acquisition that allows for very efficient ground-penetrating surveys to identify faults and other geological structures. Moreover, new smart boreholes are planned within the project targeting key lithological transitions to validate the geological interpretation of seismic lines, which are key to building the geological model. Existing boreholes and new boreholes will be sampled for age determination and rock physical properties to populate the geological model. Distributed Acoustic and Strain Sensing cables will be implemented in legacy and new boreholes to measure static and dynamic rock strains. If feasible, these systems may further be used in tunnels and outcrops. Last, noise interferometry will be applied in collaboration with KNMI on continuous seismic recordings.

The PhD project will be supervised at a daily basis at TU Delft in close collaboration with and at the Geological Survey of the Netherlands, part of TNO. The project is part of the NWO Nationale Wetenschaps Agenda (NWA) funded Dutch Black Hole Consortium of which you will be an active member reporting on progress, exchanging data and ideas, and discussing future lines of the study.

You are enthusiastic about the project description and wish to devote 4 years to the project in a collaborative team at TU Delft and the Geological Survey of the Netherlands at TNO.

You have a strong background in geology and are eager to deepen your knowledge in geosciences and in particular in applied geology, and subsurface geological and geophysical methods, data and modelling including quantification of uncertainty. You have affinity with qualitative geological laws and with quantitative reconstructions and methodology. You like to work in a team and learn from and with others, but you can also work stand-alone if and when needed. You are a social person with affinity for university, research institutes and industry. Many of the older reports are written in Dutch. For this reason, in addition to being proficient in English, we are looking for a candidate who speaks or is willing to learn (basic, scientific) Dutch or eager to translate these texts.

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.

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 € 2443 per month in the first year to € 3122 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 sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

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 and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Civil Engineering & 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 depletion, urbanisation and the availability of clean water, conducted  in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced that Open Science helps to achieve our goals 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.