PhD Position Understanding Hydrothermal-Volcanic Plumbing Systems with Multi-Physics Modelling Delft • TU Delft

Job description
We are seeking a highly motivated and curious PhD candidate who is interested in addressing fundamental geoscientific problems with a multi-disciplinary approach and multi-physics modelling. The research focuses on imaging and understanding hydrothermal-volcanic plumbing systems -- the implications of which are critically important for volcanic hazard assessment, geothermal energy development, and mineral resources exploration. A comprehensive understanding of these complex systems requires a multi-disciplinary approach, combining various techniques. While individual geophysical, geochemical, and thermal models provide insights into specific parameters or processes, a multi-physics joint inversion can generate a unified model that explains all physical observations coherently.

As a PhD candidate, you will contribute to the imaging and understanding of hydrothermal-volcanic systems through:

• Advanced 3D magnetotelluric/electromagnetic modelling.
• State-of-the-art joint inversion methods (for example, combining gravity, seismic, and electrical resistivity data).
• Integrated thermo-chemical models based on multi-parameter inversion.
• Deriving petrologically-consistent constraints on fluid and volatile content and composition with thermodynamic models. 

Your research activities will include running numerical simulations, validating results, integrating diverse types of data, and developing quantitative geoscientific interpretations. There is scope for methodological improvements and contributing to algorithm development. There may be opportunities for participating in field work and laboratory experiments. You will join the Applied Geophysics section and work closely with colleagues from the Geoscience & Engineering Department, the Geoscience & Remote Sensing Department, and a network of international partners.

We offer a supportive and flexible working environment that values collaboration, innovation, and enthusiasm. We encourage you to develop and explore your own research paths, forming new discoveries and insights.

Job requirements
To thrive in this role, the applicant should 

• have a MSc university degree (or equivalent, e.g., Diplom) in geophysics, physics, earth science, applied mathematics, or a related field.
• have a strong foundation in geophysical theory, particularly electromagnetic methods.
• have good working knowledge of basic Earth sciences, with an interest in volcanology and petrology.
• be proficient in scientific computer programming, including Python and Matlab.
• be enthusiastic about inter-disciplinary approaches and collaborative research.
• be keen to develop as an independent researcher and active member of the community.

Experience with magnetotelluric inversion codes is seen as a strong asset. Experience with geophysical field work is seen as a strong asset.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are an essential component for this position. English proficiency at a high level is necessary to ensure that the applicant can present their scientific work and produce a dissertation. Please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements. 

We recognize that applicants come from a variety of backgrounds and may have followed different career paths. Selection will focus on potential, motivation, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to the research, rather than solely on conventional metrics.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. 

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration. 

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

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.