To strengthen our new 'Dutch Polar Climate and Cryosphere Change Consortium' or DP4C project team we are looking for a PhD candidate. DP4C is a multi-disciplinary project funded by NWO as as part of the Netherlands Polar Programme policy-driven research funding. It is led by Prof. Roderik van der Wal of Utrecht University in close collaboration with Groningen University, VU Amsterdam, NIOZ, KNMI, Deltares and TU Delft.

Climate change is amplified in polar regions, with sea-ice and ice sheets retreating and thinning. In fact, climate change in polar regions is profound and changes are accellerating. Changes in polar regions will not only be felt there, but also impact the Netherlands. Most prominently extreme sea level events will increase in frequency due to an increase in relative sea level which is largely driven by the mass loss of land ice. As a result, coastal risks will increase strongly if no further adaptation measures are taken. The DP4C project aims to further our understanding of the cryosphere and its changes and translate these results to the implications for the Dutch coast. It aims to contribute to research on sea ice changes (P1),ocean circulation in the Arctic (P2), changes in Greenland and Antarctica (P3 and P4), mass loss observations from space (P5), relative sea level (P6) and extreme sea level events (P7).

Position at EEMCS/DIAM (P7): The aim of this part of the project is to translate how observed and modelled changes in the cryosphere affect storm surges and extreme

sea-level along the coasts, especially the Dutch coast. You will develop improved global projections of extreme sea level, using the latest version of our Global Tide Surge Model. This requires an new parametrization of the air-sea momentum transfer under ice-coverage, which is very variable and critical to simulate storm surges. Further improvements are expected from new climate model results and updated estimates from P1 and P6. Finally, you will identify exceptional events and explore what are possible tales of future weather, exploring physically plausible what-if scenarios for the Dutch coastal safety.

The PhD candidate will be supervised by Prof. Martin Verlaan and Dr. Sanne Muis  

MSc degree in Mathematics, Oceanography, Earth System Science, Civil Engineering or related discipline.

• excellent ability to think conceptually and quantitatively
• excellent ability to communicate in English both in speech and in writing
• strong interest in modelling and climate science
• good organisational skills and ability to work independently and in a team
• affinity in data processing, programming and numerical modeling 

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 € 2434 per month in the first year to € 3111 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 Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three disciplines - electrical engineering, mathematics and computer science. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make future-proof. We are also working on a world in which humans and computers reinforce each other. We are mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. There is plenty of room here for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1,100 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.