Organic soils are extremely vulnerable to climate change as increased temperatures accelerate drying, shrinkage and decomposition of the organic matter. Gases such as CH4 and CO2 produced by the decomposition of the organic matter saturate the pore fluid and can eventually be exsolved as bubbles by temperature increase, atmospheric pressure decrease, and unloading. Gas bubbles in soils can compromise the performance and safety of structures and infrastructure with irreversible deformations and reduction of resistance. Research on the effects of gas bubbles on the response of organic soils is still at an early stage and a comprehensive geotechnical model for the effects of gas in organic soils is still lagging behind. The project aims at deepening the understanding and modelling of the hydro-mechanical behaviour of organic soils containing gas bubbles to mitigate the impact of climate-related hazards in natural organic soils.

The twofold aim of the PhD project is:

• To experimentally investigate the coupled hydro-mechanical behaviour of organic soils containing gas bubbles both at the micro- and the macro-scale with advanced image analysis techniques and element testing.
• To enhance existing constitutive models for organic soils in order to include the effects of gas in the prediction of their geotechnical behaviour.

The selected candidate will collaborate in a research team with ongoing research activities in experimental soil mechanics at TU Delft. The PhD candidate will benefit from advanced experimental laboratory facilities including triaxial apparatuses, geotechnical centrifuge and X-ray micro-CT already available in the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences of TU Delft and partner institutions, and the support of experienced technical staff. 

Applicants should possess an MSc in Civil Engineering or related disciplines. Some experience in experimental soil mechanics is needed, as well as an aptitude for theoretical and numerical development. Communication skills are relevant, and applicants should have a high level of proficiency in written and spoken English.

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 € 2541 per month in the first year to € 3247 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 sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

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 and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

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 depletion, urbanisation and the availability of clean water, conducted  in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced that Open Science helps to achieve our 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.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences.