Extreme precipitation leading to floods causes enormous damages worldwide, and this is expected to increase dramatically in the future. Civil engineers use extreme value statistics to derive design storms, but this method is under pressure because of changing environments and changing climates. In order to know how these trends evolve into the future, one approach is to look at the scaling of extreme precipitation with temperature. There is great debate, however, if this can simply be extrapolated into the future. Another way to study future extreme precipitation and floods is to rely on climate model predictions. However, these come with great uncertainty and need to be bias-corrected in order to be useful for practical purposes.

In this PhD research, you will look at the moisture sources of extreme precipitation and floods worldwide (adapting an existing moisture tracking model). The moisture sources can be used as a tool to obtain better predictions of future extremes:
• Different moisture sources for extreme precipitation are also related to different pre-extreme conditions, which have been shown to yield very different floods for the same precipitation amount.
• Climate models can be validated and bias-corrected for producing the right moisture sources for the right extremes.

A successful candidate requires a master's degree in hydrology, water resources, meteorology, or a related field with a strong focus on modelling and data analysis skills. The PhD student should be prepared and motivated to explore different areas and acquire knowledge and skills outside his or her main field. The selection among the eligible candidates will be based on the following:
• Passion and persistence for doing research
• Ability to think and work independently
• Affinity with modelling, statistics and data analysis
• Programming skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB, R)
• Oral and written communication skills
• Enthusiasm to engage with both the academic community as well as the broader public

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

The TU Delft offers an attractive, customisable compensation and benefits package, including a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers day care, before- and after-school care and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit www.tudelft.nl/phd for more information.

For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Ruud van der Ent, e-mail: r.j.vanderent@tudelft.nl or Prof. Nick van de Giesen, phone: +31 (0)15-2787180, e-mail: n.c.vandegiesen@tudelft.nl. To apply, please include in your application:
(1) Short motivation letter (maximum 1.5 pages) covering your research interests and relevant experience
(2) Curriculum Vitae, including list of publications (if any) and name, email address and telephone number of 1-2 references
(3) Copies of academic qualifications
(4) List of courses taken and grades obtained
(5) Copy of master thesis (or another relevant document if not yet available).
Please e-mail your application by 1 March 2018 to Barbara Tabak, Recruitment-CiTG@tudelft.nl. When applying for this position, please refer to vacancy number CITG18-01.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology (the TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. The TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At the TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. The TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

http://www.tudelft.nl

Faculty Civil Engineering and Geosciences

The Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences of Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) provides leading international research and education, with innovation and sustainability as central themes. Research and education are closely interwoven and address societal challenges. The Faculty consists of the departments of Transport and Planning, Structural Engineering, Geoscience and Engineering, Water Management, Hydraulic Engineering, and Geoscience and Remote Sensing.

The mission of the Water Management Department is formulated as "Performing innovative research and (advanced) education in societally relevant themes related to the hydrological and urban water cycle." Aspects of the research are understanding water availability and water use, as well as water quality, treatment, and transport. This includes decision-making in water-related issues such as flood control, drought mitigation, water quality management, and ecosystem management.

The Water Resources section has an outstanding international research reputation and is very well embedded in both the national and international research community and networks such as IAHS, AGU, and EGU. A significant part of the research is done in strong collaboration with national and international research institutes and industry partners. The section is an international working environment with many expert staff members at the forefront of their research in water resources and hydrology. The large number of PhD students provides an excellent community of peers.

https://www.tudelft.nl/en/ceg/