Postdoc in Tunnel Modelling Geological Disposal of Radioactive Waste

Postdoc in Tunnel Modelling for Geological Disposal of Radioactive Waste

Join TUNED and develop the models that will enable engineers to design tunnels in deep clay formations - an essential step in the Netherlands' journey towards safe, long-term disposal of nuclear waste.

As nuclear energy is set to play an increasingly important role in the Netherlands' energy transition, there is a growing responsibility to safely manage radioactive waste in the long term. Currently, deep geological disposal is recognised as the only feasible solution for the final disposal of radioactive waste. In the Netherlands, deep plastic clay formations are considered as potential host formations for the geological disposal of radioactive waste.

Designing tunnels in deep plastic clay formations as found in the Dutch subsurface is technically challenging since these clays deform over time and require a lining to maintain the tunnel stable. At depths of several hundred metres, validated design guidelines for this combination of challenges do not yet exist, which limits optimal decision‑making.

This post-doctoral researcher position is part of TUNED (TUnnelontwerp en engineering voor een geologische eindberging in kleilagen in NEDerland), a 4‑year research project bringing together TU Delft, COVRA, EURIDICE, Fugro, ONDRAF/NIRAS, and Tunnel Engineering Consultants. TUNED aims to deliver validated methods for tunnel design for disposal facilities in clay formations, reducing the technical and economic uncertainties that currently stand in the way of assessing this option.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will develop models needed to design tunnels with concrete lining at disposal depth. You will address the following questions:

• How can monitoring data from the HADES underground research laboratory be used to build and validate a high‑fidelity reference model of tunnel‑clay interaction?
• Which parameters and mechanisms govern the response of a lined tunnel?
• How can the complex, time‑dependent behaviour of deep plastic clay and segmented concrete lining be captured in models that are simple and efficient enough for parametric design, yet reliable enough to be trusted?
• Can a coupled engineering‑level model reliably reproduce the interaction between clay and lining, turning high‑fidelity insight into a practical design tool?

You will be primarily embedded in the Geo‑Engineering section of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, with strong links with the Concrete Structures and Materials and Environment sections. Your supervisory team consists of Anne‑Catherine Dieudonné, Wout Broere, Mladena Lukovic, and Erik Schlangen. Anne‑Catherine Dieudonné is an expert in clay geomechanics and will act as scientific and technical coordinator of TUNED.

Wout Broere is an expert in underground construction, focusing on the geotechnical aspects of (mechanised) tunnelling. Mladena Lukovic is an expert in the structural behaviour of high‑performance and durable concretes, with a focus on interfaces in hybrid and reinforced concrete elements. Erik Schlangen is an expert in construction materials, with particular expertise in the fracture mechanics of concrete and self‑healing materials.

Together, this team offers a rare combination of expertise spanning clay geomechanics, tunnelling, concrete structures and concrete material - and a genuinely collaborative and supportive environment in which to develop as a researcher.

Need‑to‑haves:

• You hold a PhD degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• You have experience in finite element and constitutive modelling applied to geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, or construction materials.
• You have a track record of independent research, evidenced by peer‑reviewed publications.
• You have a strong interest in applied, solution‑oriented research, and enjoy developing practical, implementable engineering solutions.
• You are self‑motivated, communicate well, and collaborate easily with others.
• You have excellent written and spoken English (minimum requirement: TOEFL score of 100, or IELTS 7.0 on all sub‑skills).

• You have experience in the…