Postdoc in the Integrated Modelling of Heating Systems using Subsurface Storage

Delft University of Technology via AcademicTransfer; Netherlands; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ABP pension

Education and training opportunities

Leave (232 hours per year)

Relocation support available

Job summary

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to advance energy systems modelling for heating and cooling with subsurface storage integration. You will contribute to two externally funded projects, teach within the Sustainable Energy Technology programme, and collaborate across Europe to optimise system performance.

Salary follows the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Universities; 11‑month contract, 36–40 hours per week, with attractive pension and leave

Qualifications

• MSc and PhD in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, applied earth science or a related field with substantial fluid flow, mechanics/dynamics and/or control content.
• Experience modelling building climate systems and validating with monitoring data.
• Excellent written and oral English communication.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate activities at experimental sites on TU Delft campus and ensure data retrieved for model validation.
• Model performance of projects focusing on subsurface temperature and flow, and compare with field data.
• Integrate existing component models into energy system models to reduce computational load.
• Assess how system integration affects subsurface energy storage performance and how control options influence outcomes.
• Support MSc Sustainable Energy Technology teaching with lectures, tutorials, and thesis supervision.

Skills

Team player

English communication

Curiosity-driven

Creative researcher

Education

MSc and PhD in mechanical/civil/applied earth science with fluid flow, mechanics/dynamics or control content

Job description

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)

Organisation/Company Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) Research Field Engineering » Mechanical engineering Engineering » Civil engineering Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Application Deadline 25 Nov 2026 - 22:59 (UTC) Country Netherlands Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Not Applicable Hours Per Week 40.0 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Integration of heating and cooling sources and demand.
Job description
At present, heating and cooling represents around 50% of the final energy use in Europe and is mainly supplied by fossil fuel derived energy. The performance of sustainable heating and cooling supply systems is tightly coupled to the heating and cooling demand. In this postdoctoral researcher project you will contribute to the modelling of energy systems integrating subsurface energy extraction and storage systems with the buildings which they supply. In addition, you will contribute to teaching on the Sustainable Energy Technology Programme.
You will work on two externally funded projects, one related to energy extraction from in-land waterways via energy geostructures and the second on the performance of ATES energy storage systems. In both projects, integration of the systems where the heat is produced and used is key. Hence, accurate simulation of production temperature and subsurface processes affecting this is a key task to be able to control and optimise system performance. In both projects, the collection of data, system modelling and validation are the key research methods. The validated models are then used to assess how all components function together under various load conditions and control schemes, and how their performance can be optimised. You will assess the energy flexibility and reliability of the system under varying energy demand conditions over the lifetime of the building(s) supplied.
Activities.
In this PD you will contribute to various aspects of modelling and integrating various energy systems:

• Input into the coordination and organisation of the activities at experimental sites on the Delft campus, with a focus on ensuring monitoring systems retrieve needed data for model validation.
• Investigate the performance of the project by carrying out modelling and comparing with field data, with a focus on (but not limited to) the subsurface temperature and flow performance.
• Integrating existing individual component models into energy system models. Modelling strategies and integration approaches and interfaces will need to be developed in order to reduce the computational load.
• Investigate how system integration affects subsurface energy storage performance and how control options can influence overall system performance.
• Support education in the MSc Sustainable Energy Technology programme by giving lectures, supporting tutorials and guiding thesis projects.

Job requirements We are looking for an excellent candidate with the following qualifications, knowledge and skills:

• An MSc and PhD degree in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, applied earth science or another degree with a substantial fluid flow, mechanics/dynamics and/or control content.
• Experience of modelling building climate systems, and it would be an advantage if you had experience of model validation with monitoring data and/or in integrating with other models such as subsurface models.
• A team player who thrives working with people in different organisations with different skillsets.
• A curiosity-inspired and creative researcher who is able to plan, execute, deliver and communicate research.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

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.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 11 months. Temporary external finance.
• A job of 36-40 hours per week.
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.

You will be hosted by the Geo-Engineering and Water Resources Sections in the faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences (Stories of Science (tudelft.nl)) at TU Delft. Joining our enthusiastic and inter-disciplinary team, you will have the opportunity to work in close collaboration with leading researchers and companies across Europe and NL, and collaborate in detail with industry partners. Geared to your experience, you will receive all the support and coaching you need to develop your academic career. The supervision team comprises Professor Phil Vardon and Associate Professor Martin Bloemendal.
For this position we offer an 11‑month contract, with a probation period of 2 months, if you are not already employed at TU Delft. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
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 For more information about this vacancy, please contact Phil Vardon, [e-mail] , or Martin Bloemendal, [e-mail] .