Geotechnisch ingenieur

As one of the largest research centers in Belgium, we develop nuclear applications that make a difference now and in the future. Driven by our passion for science and empowered by our unique infrastructure, we continuously build on our current insights and expand our high-tech expertise across various nuclear domains. These are the building blocks we use to develop innovative applications for society. In doing so, we aim to contribute to a world in which current and future generations can live healthy and safe lives.

The Belgian R&D programme for geological disposal is not yet at the stage of siting but deep clay rocks are considered as possible candidate hosts and the current, generic concept considers an engineered barrier system that includes metallic, concrete and clayey components for the containment of the waste and sealing of a repository.

In support to this R&D programme, EURIDICE operates the underground laboratory HADES that was built in the 1980s at 225 meters underneath the premises of SCK CEN and that has been progressively extended in close collaboration with ONDRAF/NIRAS, the Belgian agency that manages the radioactive waste. ONDRAF/NIRAS is in charge of the development of a long term solution and steers the R&D to that aim. As a research centre focused on the civilian use of nuclear technologies, SCK CEN is an important contributor to this programme. At EURIDICE, engineers and scientists explore construction techniques and structural materials for building underground infrastructures and perform research on the long-term behaviour of host rocks as natural barriers for the confinement of radioactive waste.

Your role as a research engineer in the EURIDICE team:

• carry out or contribute to feasibility studies for a future geological disposal facility. You will focus on geotechnical engineering in deep geological layers for the construction of access shafts and galleries for the disposal of radioactive waste and on the development of the engineered barrier system (e.g. from disposal packages to repository sealing structures)
• actively participate in R&D studies about rock-structure interactions, short- and long-term Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical-(Chemical) (THMC) behaviour of engineered materials and of the host rock as a natural barrier. These studies might include the interpretation of lab and in situ experiments and the use of numerical modelling tools to investigate multi-physical processes in geomaterials
• support the integration of these studies towards the development of a geological repository system that needs to be feasible and safe during the operational phase and after repository closure
• report the results to internal and external clients and stakeholders through progress meetings, periodic technical reporting, synthesis reports and peer-reviewed scientific publications.

• Civil engineer and/or PhD in mining, geotechnical or civil engineering with a solid basis on geotechnical modelling and stability of underground structures
• knowledge in soil-rock interactions and multi-physical coupling (e.g. thermo-hydro-mechanical) in low-permeability geomaterials and/or engineered materials
• hands-on experience with finite element modelling tools such as COMSOL, PLAXIS or similar
• a few years of experience in a Research & Development (R&D) environment would be a plus
• good communication skills in French or Dutch, and English
• good writing skills for technical and scientific documents (mostly in English: technical notes, scientific reports and scientific)

• a challenging and varied job
• opportunities for personal development and extensive training both within and beyond your field of expertise
• an inspiring, international, and highly qualified working environment
• an attractive salary with a comprehensive package of extra-legal benefits
• a rural and green setting, free from traffic stress