Sea levels are rising. But how much is due to changes in ocean volume and circulation, and how much is influenced by changes in the shape and gravity of the earth? Those questions are still open, also because available observations of crustal deformation and sea level are sparse in both space and time. Hence, physical models are needed in order to produce accurate predictions along world’s coastlines and support the realization of timely adaptation strategies.

This project focuses on the role of solid earth deformation, which causes vertical land motion and modifies the gravity field, both largely affecting coastal sea level. The main solid earth processes involved at decadal to millennial time scales are 1) the viscoelastic response of the mantle to glacial changes, known as glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA), 2) vertical crustal motion of tectonic origin, including the seismic cycle. An accurate quantification of their contribution to ongoing sea level change is still lacking: only a few GIA models are available, and they show large differences in predictions of regional sea levels, while most tectonic models cannot reliably estimate ranges of vertical deformation. Notably, both classes of models are largely constrained by paleo sea-level observations, which cannot distinguish between signals of glacial or tectonic origin.

This project aims to disentangle GIA from tectonic signals, by developing a numerical model of solid earth deformation that bridges spatial and temporal scales, in order to interpret both space-geodetic and (paleo) sea level observations. It will represent a major step forward in understanding the earth’s glacial history, and in unravelling the effect of climate change and tectonics on sea level. As a case study, it will focus on the Pacific coast of North America, where extensive datasets of (paleo) sea level and widespread geodetic observations of crustal deformation are available, and where both GIA and tectonics play a major role in controlling regional sea level changes. Methodological advances will have a general value and provide new tools to constrain GIA and tectonic signals worldwide.

Your PhD project will be supervised by Dr. Riccardo Riva (TU Delft) and Dr. Rob Govers (Utrecht University). In addition to an exciting research project and a friendly and stimulating work environment, we can offer you generous funds for scientific travel.

We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate, motivated to work in a multidisciplinary environment. The candidate should have an MSc in physics, mathematics, engineering, or earth sciences, with a solid background and interest in geophysics and/or fluid dynamics, numerical modelling of physical processes, and very good programming skills. Candidates should be curious, with cross-disciplinary interests, and critical thinkers. Those skills should be addressed by the candidate in their motivation letter.

Moreover, they should communicate fluently in English (orally and in writing). For applicants who are not English native speakers or do not hold a degree from an institution in which English is the language of instruction, a proof of English proficiency should be submitted from either TOEFL (minimum total score of 100) or IELTS (minimum total score of 7.0). Proof of English language proficiency certificates older than two years will not be accepted.

TU Delft offers an excellent and stimulating research environment with extensive available infrastructure and expertise. The start date of the position is negotiable. 

Fixed-term contract: 4 Years.

TU Delft offers PhD-candidates a 4-year contract, with an official go/no go progress assessment after one year. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2.434 per month in the first year to € 3.111 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

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 and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Civil Engineering & 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 depletion, urbanisation and the availability of clean water, conducted  in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced that Open Science helps to achieve our 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.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences.

The position is located within the department of Geoscience and Remote Sensing (GRS). We seek to advance the understanding of dynamic processes and human interaction within the Earth System. The approach is based on the development of observation technology as well as the modelling of processes. Our ambition is to create an interdisciplinary research environment in which scientific staff and students explore, learn, and teach. GRS (with about 110 staff members of which 25 faculty staff) conducts a research programme in the disciplines of climate and atmospheric sciences, earth-oriented space research, geodesy, and data science. It focuses on the interrelation between new observational techniques and applications in engineering and geosciences, including the development of geophysical models. The department has an internationally leading role in research related to 2D and 3D surveying, geodesy, satellite remote sensing, natural hazards, geodynamics and climate studies. Please check www.tudelft.nl/ceg/grs.