A Post-doctoral position (minimum of two years) is available within the Department Water Management of the Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands. The postdoc will work on on-going research of DNA-microparticles for tracing and modelling water flows and travel times in natural systems. This project aims to develop and apply innovative, robust, and environmentally friendly silica-protected iron oxide micro-particles tagged with artificial DNA to trace contaminant movement and travel times of water in natural and urban systems. Currently the group consists of 3 PhD students and 1 PostDoc.

Recently, a promising avenue for water science has seen the light: the development of inert DNA-tracers. The exceptional property of DNA-tagging is the infinite number of unique tracers that can be produced and their detectability at extreme low concentrations. Such tracers give the water sector a unique tool for in-situ mapping of transport of contaminants and pathogenic microorganisms in water systems and (alternative) drinking water production sites (e.g. groundwater, river bank filtration).

Objectives

The objective is to quantify the behavior of a set of tailored DNA-tracers which will advance environmental research in general and water research and knowledge in particular. The post-doc plays a crucial role in testing the DNA-tagged nano-particles. The specific tasks are:

• Perform, analyse and supervise laboratory column experiments of the artificial nano-particles and compare its behavior to pathogenic microorganism
• Model transport of the nano-particle through porous media
• Improve recovery rate and protocols of the DNA-tagged tracer
• Provide input for tailoring DNA-tracer particle for specific applications

The work is carried out at IHE Delft (dr. Foppen) and Delft University of Technology (dr. Bogaard). The work is performed in close collaboration with several labs in Europe (e.g. ETH-Zurich, NTNU Trondheim, University Barcelona, UPC Barcelona.). Work visits to these labs are foreseen

The candidate is required to have:

• A PhD degree in colloidal transport in porous media
• Ample experience in a relevant laboratory environment
• Fluent in English, both in writing and speech
• Proven ability to work independently and experience with supervision of MSc-PhD students
• Proven record of scientific publishing

It is expected that the successful candidate will participate in all meetings and workshops organized by the research group. The candidate must be willing to disseminate the results within the project during the meetings, but also and in particular through

Fixed-term contract: 24 month, with a possible extension of 12 months.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

Technische Universiteit Delft

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

Faculty Civil Engineering and Geosciences

The Faculty of Civil Engineering and 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. The research covers global social issues and is closely connected to education as well as the work of a wide range of knowledge institutions. CEG is convinced that Open Science helps to realise these goals 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.

https://www.tudelft.nl/en/ceg/

The Department of Water Management focuses on quantitative  and qualitative aspects of fresh and salt/brackish water systems and related user functions such as building, drinking water, wastewater and agriculture. Delft is a global center for hydrological research and education, resulting from the necessity of excellent water management in the Netherlands. Within Delf, we cooperate closely with Deltares, UNESCO-IHE, and consulting firms.  In 2018, an external research assessment committee rated the department of Water Management as ‘excellent’ on all three topics reviewed: quality of research, viability and societal relevance. The department currently has 30 FTE academics (tenured) and over 100 PhD students and postdocs.

The research group  Water Resources Engineering has an excellent international research reputation and is very well embedded in both the national and international research community and networks such as IAHS, AGU, and EGU. A significant part of the research is done in strong collaboration with national and international research institutes and industry. There is active interaction and cooperation with other relevant disciplines particularly in the areas of new observation techniques (satellites, in situ, citizen science) and advanced mathematical techniques, such as data assimilation.