Flood defences, such as dikes and temporary systems like modular barriers, are both designed to withstand extreme water levels and stresses from climate driven events along very long stretches. Their longitudinal nature makes them highly uncertain due to their spatial heterogeneity which makes them very difficult to monitor in time and space at sufficient resolution. Moreover, in the hypothetic case of being able to collect this information, the post-processing in real time for decision makers is an additional uncertainty due to their length scale. This means that real-time monitoring of flood protection systems is becoming important nowadays as the previous knowledge about these systems becomes less accurate under climate change conditions. At the moment, flood defence monitoring highly relays in visual inspections from experts devoted to walk over the defences. However, we believe that by leveraging in new advances on sensing technologies like distribute fiber optics sensing (FOS) and machine learning surrogate modelling of structures will significantly improve the monitoring process of flood defences by increasing the spatial monitoring capacity and the post-processing modelling capabilities. Hence, the goal of this research is to develop and test the performance of spatially distributed fiber optics (FOS) based monitoring early warning systems for fixed and movable flood defences.

In essence, these systems should be of capable of estimating the defence performance under different climatic hazards such as floods and droughts and report their safety state it in real time. To achieve this, you will have to:

• Develop, test and implement a FOS sensor system for an existent dike with embedded fiber optics cables (FO) based on temperature, strain, and acoustic information.
• Develop, test and implement an early warning system based on surrogate models fed by the post-processes the sensor collected information.
• Develop, test and implement as dashboard interface so that the collected data and models can be accessed by the decision makers.

This research is part of the European Horizon 2022 funded project MULTICLIMACT research project, with the overarching aim of developing a comprehensive framework and tool to support public stakeholders and citizens in assessing the resilience of the built environment and its people at multiple scales (buildings, urban areas, territories) against locally relevant natural and climatic hazards. Additionally, the project aims to enhance preparedness and responsiveness across the life cycle of these systems.

The project will be developed as a collaborative effort between a private fiber optics sensoring systems company and three different sections within TU Delft: the Hydraulic Structures and Flood Risk Section, the Water Resources Section, and the Geo-Engineering Section, under the daily supervision of Dr. Juan Pablo Aguilar-López and Professors Thom Bogaard and Phil Vardon. Throughout the project, you will have the opportunity to work with leading academic and industrial partners, both in the Netherlands and abroad, with access to the field-testing facility of Flood Proof Holland.     

We are looking for an excellent candidate with the following qualifications, knowledge and skills:

• An M.Sc. degree in the areas of Geotechnical Engineering, Hydraulic Engineering, Geophysical Engineering or other related areas.
• Knowledge/Experience (Msc thesis, working experience or publications) on soil mechanics (slope stability) and groundwater modeling.
• Strong Coding skills in Python or Matlab or Fortran.
• Modeling experience in finite element packages such as COMSOL, OpenFoam, Plaxxis or Abaqus is a plus but not mandatory.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills for dikes/embankments failure mechanisms.
• Experience with Fiber optics sensing (DTS or DSS or DAS) is a plus but not mandatory.
• Independent, self-motivated, curiosity-driven and open to communicate and collaborate with peers.
• Excellent knowledge of English, both verbally and in writing. 

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2770 per month in the first year to € 3539 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 a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. 

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

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.

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Faculty Civil Engineering & 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 availability, urbanisation and clean water. Our research projects are conducted in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced of the importance of open science 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.