Postdoc Offshore Geotechnics from Monopile Installation to Wind/Wave/Seismic Soil Structure Interaction

In this role, the selected applicant will explore the cyclic soil-monopile interaction using state-of-the-art experimental data (geocentrifuge) and numerical modelling. This research aims to address the scientific challenges of comprehending the fundamental nature of cyclic behaviour in both cohesive and cohesionless soils and translating this understanding into practical engineering models.

As a post-doctoral researcher, you will:

• Lead research on cyclic soil-monopile interaction in offshore wind turbines using advanced experimental and numerical modeling techniques.
• Address fundamental challenges in understanding and conceptualizing cyclic behaviour of monopiles in various soil types (cohesive, cohesionless soils, and soil mixtures), under diverse loading conditions (wind, wave, and seismic).
• Develop, set up, and calibrate advanced 3D Finite Element (FE) monopile models on PLAXIS and OpenSees, and implement constitutive models/elements for simulating geotechnical problems of offshore monopiles.
• Develop, set up, and calibrate advanced cyclic soil reaction models for simulating geotechnical problems of offshore monopiles.
• Collaborate on research projects such as MIDASclay (cyclic lateral behaviour of monopiles in cohesive soils), DONISIS (seismic modeling of monopile-supported wind turbines in liquefiable soils), and GeoWin (tool development for soil investigation and offshore foundation design). Coordinate work packages and manage tasks, including planning, execution, and monitoring progress to ensure successful and timely completion.
• Engage with industrial partners, demonstrating excellent communication skills, and deliver project reports.
• Support the development of doctoral students and contribute to MSc level education for courses relating to Soil Structure Interaction.

Candidates shall meet as many of the following requirements as possible:

• PhD degree in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering or related areas.
• Proven experience in finite element analysis and constitutive modelling, especially regarding dynamic soil-structure interaction problems and cyclic loading conditions.
• Excellent knowledge of soil mechanics (including dynamics) and foundation engineering. Acquaintance with offshore wind geotechnics is also appreciated (but not mandatory).
• High skills in 3D FE modelling and developing/using FE software - such as, OpenSees and PLAXIS.
• Experience in implementing and calibrating constitutive models preferably in the framework of bounding surface plasticity.
• Interest in contributing to the global success of research projects, liaising with other team members responsible for different segments of the research.
• Appreciation of team work, good social skills, and ability to function in international circles involving experts from academia and industry.
• High proficiency in spoken/written English, and proven experience in preparing technical publications and project reports.
• Interest in contributing to educational activities, including occasional teaching, student tutoring and co-supervision of BSc/MSc graduation projects.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. 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 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!

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.