Water managers in the Netherlands are facing a huge challenge to reinforce the dikes to keep the country safe under climate change with increasing floods, droughts and decreasing biodiversity. The FutureDikes project aims to develop knowledge and tools to realize species rich dike covers, which make dikes stronger and ecologically sustainable. The key question in FutureDikes that is tackled together with the project partners, is how to realize species-rich, biodiverse dike covers and to what extent such dike covers increase dike strength? Ultimately, we want to deliver the tools and protocols for the HWBP to design, manage and maintain species-rich dike covers in a cost effective way.

The FutureDikes project is funded by HWBP (Dutch Flood Protection Program) and is a close collaboration with the different partners, such as Radboud University, Waterboard Rivierenland, Deltares, Infram-Hydren and others. This 2-year research project focusses on the erosion resistance of species-rich dike covers by developing calculation tools to be able to include species-rich dike covers in the design and safety assessment protocol (WBI). Erosion of the dike cover due to wave overtopping is one of the main failure mechanisms of dikes. Currently, species-rich dike covers exist, but cannot be included in the design and safety assessment protocols (WBI) for dikes. Therefore a range of species-rich dike covers will be analyzed and tested using sod-pulling tests, vegetation analysis and soil composition. This will provide insight in the strength of such dike covers. This knowledge will be translated into models and calculation rules for easy assessment of dikes with a species-rich cover. This enables the construction of strong, biodiverse dikes on a national scale. Additionally, the sod-pulling method will be analyzed and improved if needed. Finally, field-scale wave overtopping tests are developed, executed and analyzed for verification of the developed models. Ultimately, the aim is to develop, with the project partners, the design and assessment tools and calculation rules to enable the realization of species-rich dike covers. You will be encouraged to present your results at (international) conferences and write your findings in journal papers. Possibilities for extending this project into a PhD can be explored during the project.

The PDEng is a 2-year post-Master Degree technological designers programme. This programme at the University of Twente contains an educational part and a design project. For the project, you will work within the FutureDikes project. The educational programme will have an in-depth character with ample attention for professional development and will be partly tailored to the design project. Together with external organisations, you will develop a high-level and creative solution for the given problem.

We are looking for a talented, enthusiastic researcher with an active attitude and broad interests covering hydraulic engineering, soil mechanics, nature based solutions and risk management. We consider it very important that the candidate is able to view his/her research from a broader perspective (within the FutureDikes project, the scientific world and towards the practical application) and that he/she is willing and able to collaborate closely with the partners in the project. Therefore, we welcome entrepreneurial candidates with an open mind and strong communicative skills.

• Your MSc is in Civil Engineering, Geosciences (e.g. Physical Geography or Geophysics), Mathematics, Environmental studies or a related field.
• Excellent comprehension of English, in both spoken language and writing.
• Comprehension of Dutch (reading and speaking) is essential.
• Experience in data analysis and knowledge about dike failure mechanisms is beneficial.
• Non-Dutch or non-native English speaking candidates who did not complete an English taught MSc need to provide IELTS >= 6.5 or equivalent.

Some of the desired skills can be acquired during an individual training program of 48 EC that is part of the PDEng project.

• A challenging position in an inspiring multidisciplinary and international environment.
• Two year full-time PDEng position, with a qualifier in 6-9 months.
• Full status as an employee at the UT, including pension and health care benefits.
• Tailor-made educational program of at least 9 months (48 EC), including excellent facilities for professional and personal development.
• A salary of €2009,- gross per month during your PDENG employment.
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%.
• Minimum of 29 holidays per year in case of fulltime employment.
• On successfully completing the programme, you will receive a certified and recognised degree. You will be entitled to use the academic degree Professional Doctorate in Engineering (PDEng) and will be registered as a Technological Designer in the Dutch register kept by the Royal Institution of Engineers in the Netherlands (KIVINIRIA).

The Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) engages in education and research Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering with a view to enabling society and industry to innovate and create value using sound, efficient and sustainable technology. We are part of a 'people-first' university of technology, taking our place as an internationally leading centre for smart production, processes and devices in five domains: Health Technology, Maintenance, Smart Regions, Smart Industry and Sustainable Resources. Our faculty is home to some 1,800 Bachelor's and Master's students, 400 employees and 150 PhD candidates and offers three degree programmes: Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering. Our educational and research programme are closely connected with UT research institutes?Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centra and Digital Society Institute.