Postdoc in Monitoring of Thermally Induced Seismic Events

Job description 

We are opening a 2 year postdoctoral researcher position funded by NWO on monitoring of thermally induced seismic events occurring in geothermal energy extraction.

Geothermal energy is a local and essential source for heating in the energy mix of the future and must be sustainably scaled up. However, seismicity is a major societal concern. Currently, conservative assessments of seismicity (i.e., predicting higher seismicity than likely to occur) are one reason for projects not passing the exploration stage, and seismic activity related to gas extraction has resulted in a public acceptance risk of all subsurface activities. In this project, we are going to address the following scientific question: ‘When can reservoir cooling in sedimentary geothermal projects lead to significant seismic activity?’ The project combines laboratory experiments, geophysical field monitoring and numerical reservoir modelling.

This postdoctoral researcher will work on three main tasks. The first task is to perform centroid-moment tensor inversions for small (M < 1) induced events in the Groningen area, yielding valuable insight into the ability to invert waveforms generated by relatively small events. The second task is to devise an inversion strategy best suited for small events and the sparse seismic data acquired in geothermal projects. The third task is centroid-moment tensor inversion for low-magnitude induced events in geothermal projects, focusing on the volumetric component of the moment tensor and linking this, quantitatively, to the behaviour expected from geothermal-induction theory. The candidate will be employed at TU Delft, but will also carry out work together with KNMI (at De Bilt, NL), and will be embedded in the lively Geothermal Theme of TU Delft. Moreover, you will work closely with the other two postdoctoral researchers hired in the project to work on experimental thermo-mechanics and the reservoir modeling.

Job requirements 

Need-to-haves:

• PhD in Geophysics, Physics, Mathematics, Earth Sciences or closely related discipline.
• Experience with and love for linking models to field data.
• Solid understanding of seismic wave fields and their mechanics.
• Ability to work independently, and collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary research team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, including the ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals.

Nice-to-haves:

• Experience with seismic processing and inversion.
• Experience with finite difference wave-equation solvers such as SeisSol or SPECFEM3D.
• Affinity with the advancement of geothermal energy.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology) 

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference. 

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future. 

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward. 

Faculty of Civil Engineering and 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 availability, urbanisation and clean water. Our research projects are conducted in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced of the importance of open science 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.