PhD Job at Geotechnology Department at Delft University of Technology

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

The Section of Applied Geology aims to develop high-resolutionquantitative models of geological heterogeneity in clastic sedimentarybasins on different spatial scales. The models serve to enhance ourunderstanding of clastic sedimentary systems as a whole, and will beapplied in the discovery, use and sustainable management of subsurfaceresources. We strive to reduce the inherent uncertainty in numericalmodelling by developing tools for quantitative prediction of keysubsurface properties such as size, shape, spatial distribution andinternal heterogeneity of sediment bodies.

JOB DESCRIPTION
Geological reservoir models used in hydrocarbon andgroundwater exploitation are typically based on stochastic-geometricinterpolation methods. Such methods generate solutions that are locallyoptimal, but are not constrained by the large-scale geological settingof the reservoir. The aims of this project are
(1) to develop a post-processor for an existing low-resolution, basin-scale process-basedmodel of fluvio-deltaic drainage networks and stratigraphy, which isconditioned to large-scale basin geometry and geological boundaryconditions. The post-processor should generate explicit, object-based,stochastic realizations of the small-scale reservoir architecture (lowand high sinuosity channel belts) to permit analysis of sand-bodyconnectivity, and its controls on fluid flow and mixing of sedimentswith different provenance;
(2) to better characterize subsurfaceheterogeneity and reduce the solution space associated with well datarelative to current (geometric) models;
(3) to test the method byperforming flow simulations on synthetic and real-world reservoirs, inorder to study the dispersal of contaminants in the shallow subsurfaceand propose strategies for groundwater exploitation.

REQUIREMENTS
Candidates should have an MSc degree in Earth Sciences(Geology, Geophysics, Physical Geography) or Engineering (EngineeringGeology, Hydraulic Engineering, Petroleum Engineering). Candidates withdemonstrable expertise in geological or flow modelling and a keeninterest in optimization problems are specifically encouraged to apply.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
The successful candidate will be employed byDelft University of Technology for a fixed period of four years withinwhich he/she is expected to write a doctoral thesis.TU Delft offers an attractive benefits package, including a flexiblework week, free high-speed Internet access from home, and the option ofassembling a customized compensation and benefits package (the ‘IKA’).Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective LabourAgreement for Dutch Universities.

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

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

FURTHER INFORMATION
http://www.vacaturesindelft.nl/vacature.php?id=1445&lang=eng