We are looking for a PhD to strengthen our new DuneForce project team. DuneForce is a project funded by the Netherlands organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) Domain Applied and Engineering Sciences (AES).

Duneforce involves a comprehensive study on coastal dunes that provide coastal defence and specific ecological habitat to human society. Those values are under pressure due to increased human activity in coastal zones and climate change. Management of coastal dunes relies on knowledge on the relevant eco-physics. However, state-of-the-art knowledge does not yet integrate across coastal domains (shoreface, beach and dune) and relevant disciplines (ecology, morphology, engineering). As a result, it is not possible to anticipate on the combined impact of management strategies for coastal defence and habitat development. DuneForce addresses the eco-physical unknowns at the interfaces of coastal domains and disciplines through a combination of multi-disciplinary field works and numerical simulations. This will result in a quantitative model that predicts the development of the coastal zone in respect to dune habitat and coastal safety. This new model will be applied in several real life case studies to optimize coastal management strategies and interventions in the coastal system.

The PhD candidate will work on the quantification of marine and aeolian sediment transport processes at the land/water interface with the aim of developing a model for predicting sediment transports and morpho-dynamics at this interface. Collaborative field work in combination with numerical modelling is foreseen to quantify and predict sediment fluxes at the land water interface at several locations in the Netherlands.

The candidate will work in a research team that will involve 2 universities and receives support of several Dutch industry and governmental partners. The academic core of the project will consist of 1 PhD position at Wageningen University & Research (WUR) 1 PhD position (this vacancy) and 1 Post-doc at Delft University of Technology (DUT). The team is led by dr. Sierd de Vries at the (DUT) in collaboration with dr. Juul Limpens and dr. Michel Riksen at WUR.

This 4 year PhD position starts on April 1st 2019 at the earliest. The exact starting date for the position is negotiable to some extent.

• MSc degree in Hydraulic Engineering, Physical Geography, Earth system science or related discipline.
• excellent ability to think conceptually and quantitatively
• excellent ability to communicate in English and preferably in Dutch, both orally and in writing
• interest in (bio)geomorphological interactions (sediment, hydrodynamics, vegetation)
• good organisational skills and ability to work independently
• affinity with field field work and technical aspects of data processing and nummerical modeling

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, 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 childcare 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. 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.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology (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. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

https://www.tudelft.nl

Faculty Civil Engineering and Geosciences

The Faculty of Civil Engineering and 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. The research covers global social issues and is closely connected to education as well as the work of a wide range of knowledge institutions. CEG is convinced that Open Science helps to realise these 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.

The Department of Hydraulic Engineering is mainly concerned with major surface water bodies such as rivers, estuaries and seas. The focus is on understanding, designing and implementing human interventions in the natural environment for the discharge of water, for protection against water, for transport over water and for building in water.

The PhD candidate will be working within the section of Coastal Engineering (CE). The CE section focuses on research and education related to coastal engineering systems, structures and integrated coastal management. The group aims to provide an excellent academic education for future generations of coastal engineers and scientists, based on the international experience and history. The group generates and disseminates academic knowledge in an internationally highly respected tradition.

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