In deltas channels, hydraulic roughness exerts a key control over tidal wave propagation, sediment transport and river discharge dynamics. This PhD research aims to quantify hydraulic roughness from bedforms that develop in mixtures of sand, silt and clay. Towards achieving this, field measurements are planned in the lower Fraser River, the Rhine-Meuse Delta and in the Ganges Brahmaputra Delta, which will be carried out in collaboration with fellow researchers in the VICI project "Deltas out of shape: regime changes of sediment dynamics in tide-influenced deltas". The field measurements will reveal the space-time variability of bedform dynamics in sand to mud transition zones, in response to hydrodynamic forcing. After field data analysis, a generic roughness parameterization will be developed, to improve the prediction capacity of existing theoretical models. Together with partner institutions, the parameterization will be implemented and tested both in an operational model of the Rhine-Meuse delta channel network, maintained by Port of Rotterdam, and applied in a model of the Ganges Brahmaputra Delta.

• you have a Master degree or an equivalent degree in Earth Sciences, Physics, Applied Mathematics or Civil Engineering.
• you have a strong interest and preferably experience in field data collection with hydrographic instrumentation;
• you have a strong interest and preferably experience in morphodynamic model development;
• you have good organizational, writing and presentation skills and you can work both independently and in a team;
• you are committed to finalise a PhD, combined with a training and supervision trajectory;
• you are able to participate in courses within the master's programme Earth and Environment, and to supervise MSc-thesis students within the project;
• you have an excellent command of the English language, both orally and in writing.

We offer a temporary position for a period of 1.5 years with extension of 2.5 years after successful evaluation. Gross salary per month € 2325,-. in the first year rising up to € 2975,-. per month in the fourth year based on 38 hours a week. You also have the opportunity to work 40 hours a week with additional holidays.

In addition we offer

• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% fixed-year allowance;
• Excellent training opportunities and secondary working conditions;
• Flexible working hours and vacations can in consultation with colleagues be settled so that an optimal balance between work and private is possible;
• An excellent pension scheme via ABP;
• 232 holiday hours, the ability to purchase and good supplementary leave arrangements and an individualized model to compose part of your working conditions and a bicycle plan;
• Sports facilities available on campus which can be used against a small fee.

Wageningen University & Research

The Hydrology and Quantitative Water Management group is part of the Department of Environmental Sciences of Wageningen University. The department's fundamental research and education concern our living environment: nature, landscape, land use, mitigation and adaptation to climate change, water management, and various competing claims on space. Wageningen University is part of Wageningen University & Research.

Wageningen University & Research
The mission of our University is to explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life. Within Wageningen University & Research, nine specialised research institutes from the Wageningen Research Foundation and Wageningen University have joined forces to help answer the most important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With approximately 30 locations, 5,000 employees, and 10,000 students, it is one of the leading organisations in its domain worldwide. An integrated approach to problems and the cooperation between various disciplines are at the heart of the unique approach of Wageningen.

Equal opportunities employer
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.