We are seeking a PhD candidate for PaRCA, a project within a German-Dutch coperation programme "Pathways for Realising Climate Adaptation in the Wadden Sea". In our project we seek to develop and evaluate measures for mitigating the effects of climate change on the Wadden Sea. We focus on the the morphodynamics and long-term morphological development under influence of sea level rise and human interference. Multiple PhDs and Postdocs at various universities and research institutes in the Netherlands and in Germany will work on this challenge and develop new insights in the societal challenges regarding sediment management, ecology and flood safety in the Wadden Sea. The topic of this PhD project focusses on the respons of the Wadden Sea to accelerating sea level rise and human interventions.

Position at Delft University of Technology:

The PhD aTU Delft will explore methodologies for the intertidal areas to keep pace with SLR. An important question which needs to be addressed as part of that assessment is why the morphology of some of the intertidal areas in the Wadden Sea grow much faster than SLR, which is probably the result of earlier interventions. The resulting relevant timescales dictate when and where to intervene with additional management strategies: interventions may not be needed in areas where accretion is systematic but crucial when accretion rates will rapidly slow down. Through a combination of data analysis (of historic changes) and application of numerical models, the output of the PhD will predict future habitat suitability indexes (ecotope classification) – and strategies how and when to maximise the accretion of these areas under conditions of accelerated SLR of reduced sediment availability.

You will be part of a larger team of PhDs and postdocs from PaRCA and be encouraged to collaborate on common topics, mutually exchange new insights, and where possible incorporate them in your research. At TU Delft, you will be part of the Coastal Engineering section where we combine research on hydrodynamics, morphodynamics, and human interventions to the coast using numerical modelling and field measurements. You will primarily work with Bas van Maren and Zheng Bing Wang, who look forward to collaborate and supervise with enthusiasm and dedication.

• A Master's degree in a relevant field, e.g. Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Marine Geology, Oceanography, Physical Geography, Physics, Mathematics.
• Affinity with and skills in numerical modelling. Familiarity with Python, Matlab or Fortran would be convenient, in view of code improvements and analyses.
• Motivation to work in a transdisciplinary team with geomorphologists, geologists, geographers, engineers, ecologists, and with policymakers in science and in society.
• A professional attitude towards work, coworkers and partners and communicate in an open and constructive way.

In addition:

• You look forward to combining different research fields, e.g. sediment dynamics, hydrodynamics, benthic ecology, and stakeholder involvement.
• You have a passion for doing interdisciplinary research in teams and demonstrate inclusive values towards building a diverse community.
• You are perseverant and finish what you start.

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.

The PhD position will preferably start by October 1, 2024.

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 & 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.

For more information about this vacancy (e.g. further project details or about doing a PhD at TU Delft), please contact Prof.dr.ir. Zheng Bing Wang (Z.B.Wang@TUDelft.nl) or Dr. Bas van Maren (D.S.vanmaren@TUDelft.nl).