[Netherlands] PhD Position in Geology at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)

Published on Mar 11 2009 // Europe, PhD, Postgraduate, Scholarships in Netherlands

The Geotechnology Department comprises four sections: Applied Geology, Applied Geophysics and Petrophysics, GeoEngineering, and Petroleum Engineering. Its research activities are strongly interdisciplinary and aimed at the development and dissemination of innovative, integrated geo-technologies in the fields of subsurface imaging, characterisation and engineering for cost-effective and sustainable utilisation of the subsurface.

The Section of Applied Geology aims to develop high-resolution quantitative models of geological heterogeneity in clastic sedimentary basins at different spatial scales. The models serve to enhance our understanding of clastic sedimentary systems as a whole, and will be applied in the discovery, use and sustainable management of subsurface resources. We strive to reduce the inherent uncertainty in numerical modelling by developing tools for quantitative prediction of key subsurface properties such as size, shape, spatial distribution and internal heterogeneity of sediment bodies.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Sediment grain-size data are routinely collected in many geoscientific surveys. In addition, estimates of sediment grain size may be derived from other measurements collected during surveys (‘proxies’). The information contained in such data may be used to build subsurface models for resource estimation, hydrological analysis, and hydrocarbon production. The first objective of this research project is to build a (geo)statistical toolbox comprising a set of Matlab scripts designed to be used by non-specialists. The toolbox includes: 1) estimation of grain-size parameters from proxy data; 2) reconstruction and interpolation of continuous particle-size distributions from discrete measurements; 3) geostatistical modelling of spatial variation in grain-size distributions (2-D and 3-D). Further research shall be carried out to 1) develop a method for extraction of residual sediment transport fields from spatial patterns of grain-size variability; 2) compare inferred residual transport fields to morphological data sets, and conduct process-based simulations of sediment transport and morphodynamics.

REQUIREMENTS

Candidates should have an MSc in Earth Sciences (Geology, Geophysics, Physical Geography) or Civil Engineering (Engineering Geology, Hydraulic Engineering, Petroleum Engineering). We specifically invite applications from candidates with demonstrable experience in one or more of the following fields: (geo)statistical modelling, computer programming (e.g. Matlab) and modelling of sediment transport/morphodynamics.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The successful candidate will be employed by Delft University of Technology for a fixed period of four years within which he/she is expected to write a doctoral thesis.

TU Delft offers an attractive benefits package, including a flexible work week, free high-speed Internet access from home, and the option of assembling a customized compensation and benefits package (the ‘IKA’). Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

Delft University of Technology strives to increase the number of women in higher academic positions; women are therefore especially encouraged to apply.

APPLICATION

To apply, please send a detailed CV along with a letter of application by 15 April, 2009 to: recruitment-citg@tudelft.nl

FURTHER INFORMATION