Postdoc: Tunnel Modelling for Safe Nuclear Waste Disposal

Delft; Delft; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ABP pension

Dual Career Programme

Relocation support

Education and training opportunities

Job summary

TU Delft invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to advance tunnel design in deep plastic clay for radioactive waste disposal. The project, part of TUNED, partners with TU Delft, COVRA, EURIDICE, and others, and focuses on high‑fidelity modeling of tunnel‑clay interaction with concrete lining at disposal depth.

The candidate will develop and validate models, exploring parameters and mechanisms governing lining response while delivering practical design tools for industry and society.

Qualifications

• PhD in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Experience in finite element and constitutive modelling applied to geotechnical, structural, or construction materials.
• Track record of independent research with peer‑reviewed publications.
• Interest in applied, solution‑oriented research and practical engineering solutions.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Excellent written and spoken English (TOEFL 100 or IELTS 7.0).

Responsibilities

• Develop models to design tunnels with concrete lining at disposal depth.
• Address questions about tunnel‑clay interaction, parameter effects, and time‑dependent behaviour.
• Create simple, efficient models that remain reliable for parametric design.
• Collaborate with Geo‑Engineering section and related groups to integrate findings into practical tools.

Skills

Finite element modelling

Constitutive modelling

Geotechnical engineering

Independent research

English proficiency

Education

PhD in Civil Engineering or related field

Tools

FEM software

Job description

TU Delft invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to advance tunnel design in deep plastic clay for radioactive waste disposal. The project, part of TUNED, partners with TU Delft, COVRA, EURIDICE, and others, and focuses on high‑fidelity modeling of tunnel‑clay interaction with concrete lining at disposal depth.

The candidate will develop and validate models, exploring parameters and mechanisms governing lining response while delivering practical design tools for industry and society.