Geotechnical structures, like embankments, levees, dams and landfills, experience a wide range of loads, from extreme short-term loading conditions to long-term climate-associated loading. In the long-term, the effect of these external loads leads to changes within the soil, varying the soil strength and modifying the soil phases (e.g. gas generation, soil cementing, grains breakage). Changes within the soil could lead to excessive deformations or even to failure of vital infrastructure. Physical modelling provides an opportunity for understanding the complex multi-physics of aging geotechnical structures, exploring scenarios of saturated and partially saturated soils subjected to gas generation and exsolution. This position aims at addressing the effects of these processes applied to slope stability and studying the coupled multi-physics of gas-liquid-solid interactions.

The postdoctoral project is expected to develop advanced research on:

1. The role of gas and fluid in a simple slope stability model
2. The scaling principles of fluid and gas within a physical model
3. The formulation of smart monitoring strategies for aging geotechnical structures

The selected postdoctoral researcher is expected to be involved in the ongoing research activities in experimental soil mechanics at TU Delft, like participating in the development of PhD projects, the elaboration of research projects, and the development of advanced laboratory testing. The postdoctoral researcher will benefit from advanced experimental laboratory facilities including the geotechnical centrifuge, the unsaturated triaxial apparatus, the biaxial plane strain apparatus, and imaging facilities already available in the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences of TU Delft and partner institutions, and the support of experienced technical staff. The researcher will be involved in the EU funded project GEOLAB: Science for enhancing Europe’s Critical Infrastructure (https://project-geolab.eu/), providing the opportunity to interact in a large research network and participate in the project meetings, workshops, and conferences.

Applicants should possess a PhD in Civil Engineering, Geoscience or related disciplines. Experience in physical modelling and experimental soil mechanics is essential, as well as an aptitude for scientific programming and data processing. Communication skills are relevant, and applicants should have a high level of proficiency in written and spoken English. The successful candidate is expected to cooperate with other members of the research team and external partners.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount 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. An International Children's Centre offers childcare and there is an international primary school.

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 and 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.