Postdoc in Tunnel Modelling for Geological Disposal of Radioactive Waste

Location: Delft, Netherlands. Relocation to the Netherlands is supported through hirify.global's Coming to Delft Service.

Salary: €3,706–€5,760 per month, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

Company

hirify.global is an international university focused on engineering education and research addressing societal challenges including energy transition, climate change, digitalisation, and sustainable infrastructure.

What you will do

• Develop models for designing concrete-lined tunnels at disposal depth in deep plastic clay formations.
• Use monitoring data from the HADES underground research laboratory to build and validate a high-fidelity tunnel–clay interaction model.
• Investigate the parameters and mechanisms governing the response of lined tunnels.
• Model the time-dependent behaviour of deep clay and segmented concrete linings.
• Translate high-fidelity modelling insights into efficient engineering-level tools for parametric design.
• Collaborate with researchers and experts in clay geomechanics, tunnelling, concrete structures, and construction materials.

Requirements

• PhD in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with finite element and constitutive modelling applied to geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, or construction materials.
• Independent research experience demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications.
• Strong interest in applied, solution-oriented research and practical engineering solutions.
• Self-motivation, strong communication skills, and ability to collaborate effectively.
• Excellent written and spoken English: minimum TOEFL 100 or IELTS 7.0 in all sub-skills.

Nice to have

• Industry experience.
• Knowledge of Dutch.

Culture & Benefits

• 18-month temporary employment contract.
• 36–40 hours per week with a flexible working week.
• ABP pension scheme and supplemental health insurance discounts.
• 232 leave hours per year at 38 hours per week, with options to buy or sell additional leave.
• Education, training, courses, vitality support, and partially paid parental leave.
• International research environment with support for relocation and accompanying partners.

Hiring process

• Submit a CV, motivation letter, PhD degree, thesis abstract in English, publication list, and two selected publications by 7 September 2026.
• Selected applicants will be asked to provide contact information for two references.
• A knowledge-security risk assessment is conducted during the final recruitment stages.