Worldwide, sand reserves are dwindling, while more and more sand is needed to protect coasts against rising sea levels. A study is recently launched focusing on the ecological optimisation of sand extraction in the North Sea. Sand extraction is expected to increase dramatically for the purposes of the natural protection of sandy shores against flooding and for major infrastructure projects. The Netherlands extracts relatively large amounts of sand and the country is facing the challenge of making the optimal decisions to minimise the ecological impact, while still meeting the national demand for sand.

The OR-ELSE team will study, for the first time in collaboration with stakeholders, the links between the fishing industry and sand extraction with the aim of optimising large-scale sand extraction approaches in favour of the ecology and the economy. Measurements and model predictions of hydrodynamics and morphodynamics will be integrated with species and population models in a Digital Twin of the Dutch North Sea to assess the effects on the marine environment and fishing. A Serious Game for sand extraction will be developed to arrive at operational recommendations for ecological large-scale sand extraction in the future that can be used in the Netherlands and other countries as support for policymakers, the dredging industry, nature organisations, scientists and the fishing industry in ecosystem-based sustainable sand extraction.

We offer a 5 year Postdoc position with focus on a combination of numerical modelling, seamlessly coupling of models, interfacing with all workpackages (a.o. the Serious Game team) and external parties, and collaborative interdisciplinary research. During your postdoctoral fellowship you will:

• assemble fundamental output of the PhD-studies into the sand extraction module of the Digital Twin based on a 3D hydrodynamic model (Delft3D-FM).
• design and co-develop the Digital Twin module aimed at assessing the cascade of effects and optimising designs for large-scale sand extraction.
• interact closely with two other postdocs at Wageningen University and NIOZ. The three postdocs in the programme will have a pivotal role in coordinating research and data flows from PhD-students, whereby you will not only extend your research qualities but also your managerial skills.
• interact with the consortium partners, being research institutes, private companies and government, and external parties.
• work in a multi-disciplinary research team consisting of six PhD candidates (at the universities of Delft, Twente, NIOZ , WU-AFI (2), and WUR) and scientific staff of other partners.
• conduct your own research and publish your outcome in (journal) publications, popular magazines and other media.

You will be part of the Coastal Engineering section in the Hydraulic Engineering department, advised by Arjen Luijendijk, and with close collaboration with other group members. As part of this project, you will also work in close collaboration with Deltares to enhance the collaboration on the development of models and Digital Twin concepts.

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with the following qualifications:

• PhD degree in Civil Engineering, Geography, Earth system science, (marine) Ecology or related discipline with training in marine processes
• excellent ability to think conceptually and quantitatively
• experience with data processing, numerical modelling and visualisation
• excellent ability to communicate in English and preferably in Dutch, both orally and in writing
• interest to carry out applied science in a real-world, multi-disciplinary context
• good communication skills for internal and external interfacing
• good organisational skills and ability to work independently
• Programming skills in: Python, C++ or Fortran

Fixed-term contract: 5 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 as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

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.