PhD Position on Experimental Fluid-rock Interaction in Carbonates

Job Description

Half of sedimentary formations worldwide consists of limestone, which is highly chemically reactive at all depths where engineering activities take place. Furthermore, water is everywhere in the Earth's crust, and it impacts every single process studied in geology, from volcanic eruptions to earthquakes, and from groundwater extraction to green energy production. Specifically subsurface engineering activities (geothermal energy, CO2 storage, drinking water production, etc) often involve extraction or injection of fluids in sedimentary rocks, where chemistry is different from pure water. This experimental project investigates how the chemical interaction between different fluids and limestone changes the failure behaviour of limestone rocks, and how we can improve monitoring and predictions of fluid migrations and seismicity using a combination of geophysical and chemical methods. The mechanical data generated in this project will be crucial to properly assess the risk of leakage or induced seismicity, with a specific focus for subsurface engineering projects that advance the energy transition, for example in CO2 storage projects or geothermal energy.

We are looking for someone who takes on the challenge to figure out how different fluid types affect the brittle-ductile transition in limestone, by:

• Characterizing the brittle-ductile transition in three different limestone types.
• Systematically explore the effect of fluid additives on the failure behaviour under specific conditions.
• Use the data to develop new acoustic monitoring techniques to predict that rock failure is imminent.
• Test the newly designed monitoring techniques on dm-scale samples together with the team.
• Present the work at international conferences and workshops.

The work will be done in the Delft Rock Mechanics lab, with involvement of collaborators based in Strasbourg (Unistra) and Lausanne (EPFL). In Delft, you will be embedded in an enthusiastic team of experimentalists at the PhD and postdoc level, the Rock Deformation team (@RockDefTUD on BlueSky and Instagram). The Rock Deformation team is a dynamic and social core group of ~10 persons. The team has weekly scientific meetings to pick each other's brains, fuelled by coffee and tea, and several social outings per year. We are part of the Department of Geoscience and Engineering, housed within the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences (https://www.tudelft.nl/en/ceg/), and there is social and scientific contact with researchers from different disciplines. Specifically, there is the potential to liaise with the Geophysics group, but also with interdisciplinary groups of PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers working on the Geothermal theme or in the Subsurface storage.

In Strasbourg, dr. Alexandra Kushnir is an expert in fluid-rock interactions, especially in geothermal energy applications, and prof. Patrick Baud will offer additional expertise in limestone mechanics. At EPFL, prof. Marie Violay is a renowned expert in experimental fluid-rock interactions. The position is offered within the scope of the NWO-funded VIDI project "BRITTLENESS", with dr. Anne Pluymakers in the lead. Anne is a specialist in fluid-rock interaction in rock mechanics and fault friction experiments, with broad experience on applying this knowledge in geothermal energy and CO2 storage applications. In Delft, dr. Auke Barnhoorn will take the role of promotor. Auke specializes in the link between acoustic monitoring and experimental rock interaction.

Job Requirements

We are looking for someone who is excited about lab work, since you would need to perform an extensive experimental campaign, to characterize different limestones under different pressures, temperatures and fluid conditions. It is a transdisciplinary project requiring both physics (mechanics) and chemistry interest. Even if you may not know much about it now, we are looking for someone who loves expanding their horizon scientifically. You have a hands-on attitude with respect to laboratory work, demonstrated by (for example) a love of repairing or building things, enjoyment of practical exercises during studies, etc. Any experience with rock deformation work will be a plus. In your contacts with your colleagues and your project partners you put your communication skills to good use. You enjoy mentoring and interacting with students, while growing your own skills and expertise.

Need-to-have at the time the position starts (summer/autumn 2026):

• An MSc in a relevant subject, preferably Geoscience, Geology or Geotechnical Engineering, though related disciplines, for example (Applied) Physics or (Applied) Chemistry. Curriculum should have included Continuum Mechanics and Thermodynamics.
• Affinity and enthusiasm for laboratory work. Learning on the job will definitely occur, but a practical mindset is prerequisite.
• Programming skills, sufficient to develop data analysis routines (Matlab, Python or equivalent).
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Strong communication skills to interact with supervisors, technical support staff and fellow experimentalists.
• English working proficiency (oral and written).

Conditions of Employment

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 €3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.

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.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional Information

Do you have questions or doubts about your suitability or the position? For more information about this vacancy, please contact Anne Pluymakers ([email protected])

Application Procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 25 June 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• Motivation letter (1 page).
• Detailed CV (2 pages).
• Copies of your BSc and MSc degrees and transcripts.
• Names and contact information of at least two relevant references. We will not contact references without your consent.

After the first selection, video interviews will be held in the period between 1-15 July. Ideally, candidates can start late summer/autumn of 2026.

You can address your application to Anne Pluymakers, Associate professor.

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.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
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