The global water and sediment cycles are subject to major changes through direct interventions (e.g. dams, river alignment, land reclamations) and indirect effects (e.g. climate change, different land use). This causes risks for nature and society. Strengthening our fundamental understanding of the water and sediment cycles at all temporal and spatial scales, as well as the role water plays in food production, the livability of low-lying deltas and the transport of materials, pollution and nutrients is therefore of great importance.

Our goal is to strengthen our academic team around these themes.

More specifically the Department of Water Management at TU Delft has the ambition to develop innovative ways of analyzing water quality issues in alignment with creating engineering solutions and management strategies to overall improve the quality of our water resources.

We are therefore looking for two ambitious and enthusiastic (Tenure-Track) Assistant Professors in Environmental Water Quality, one in the field of Hydrology and one in the field of Geohydrology, to extend its education and research program.

Water quality is broadly defined, ranging from nutrients, organic micro-pollutants, metals, pathogens, salt, to e.g. plastics. Water quality of a variety of systems is of interest, varying from groundwater systems to streams, rivers, reservoirs, and lakes, together with the interactions between these systems.

The main focus of the research is on modeling of these systems for engineering solutions and water management applications. The scale of application can vary from local to landscape and regional scale. Candidates who study the interaction between surface water and groundwater, link water quality with socio-economic activities, and combine modeling with (the results of) field research are specifically encouraged to apply.

Example applications include but are not limited to managed aquifer recharge; sustainable groundwater management in relation to water supply, land-use, and climate change; catchment scale solutes/pollution and discharge modeling; surface water quality and ecosystems (e-flow analysis);  the effects of the discharge of (treated) sewage or industrial effluents and its impact on drinking water supply; and water quality monitoring, modelling, and management of large freshwater lakes.

The Department of Water Management maintains a large experimental and analytical laboratory having a range of analytical equipment (e.g. ICP-OES, ICP-MS, IC, LC-MS, water isotope analyzer) and is well-equipped for experimental research (e.g. column experiments and more advanced set-ups). The department/Faculty has all sorts of field equipment and currently performs water quality research at various research sites in the Netherlands and abroad. The university has state-of-the-art high-performance computing facilities.  

The successful candidate:

• holds a PhD or equivalent degree in hydrological engineering, water resources engineering, environmental engineering, civil engineering, geological engineering, or a related quantitative discipline in hydrology, earth sciences, or environmental sciences;
• has a proven affinity with academic teaching in a variety of settings, ideally including fieldwork;
• possesses a good understanding of the higher education environment, including diversity and inclusion values;
• has proven ability to deliver high quality research as evidenced by the publication record;
• has the capacity to communicate effectively with peers, students and stakeholders.     

Fixed-term contract: depending on start date.

Our intention is to offer you a permanent position after a probation period  in which you will be evaluated based on performance indicators agreed upon at the start of the appointment. We expect that you have the potential to grow towards an Associate Professor and/or Full Professor role in the future.

Inspiring, excellent education is our central aim. We expect you to obtain a University Teaching Qualification (UTQ) within three years if you have less than five years of teaching experience. This is provided by the TU Delft UTQ programme.
TU Delft sets high standards for the English competency of the teaching staff. The TU Delft offers training to improve English competency. If you do not speak Dutch, we offer courses to learn the Dutch language within three years.

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.

TU Delft has long been known for excellence in Water Resources and Water Treatment research which is reflected by a third position in Shanghai’s Global Ranking of Universities worldwide. Research in the Department of Water Management addresses very relevant worldwide issues such as water and sanitation for the globe's cities, mitigation of floods and droughts, and the timely delivery of water of sufficient quality for society's and nature's needs. Our staff members carry out research in both Europe and the Global South, fostering long standing links with Africa and Asia. 

The Water Resources research group focuses on drought, precipitation, floods and how water behaves in the atmosphere and beneath or on the Earth's surface.

Water Management (tudelft.nl)