The Dutch Rhine bifurcates into 2 branches about 10 km downstream of where the Rhine River enters the Netherlands. Another bifurcation is located at about 10 km downstream of the first bifurcation. At such a bifurcation the water discharge and sediment discharge in the upstream branch are distributed over the 2 downstream branches. The partitioning is determined by the geometric characteristics of the bifurcation point, the presence of bars and bends, the sediment flux and bed surface sediment and their grain size distributions, and the flow duration curve. The stability of a bifurcation point (i.e. whether both downstream branches remain open) is still an open question, yet important for flood safety of the downstream branches of the Dutch Rhine. This is because the levees in the downstream branches are designed based on an agreed partitioning ratio of the water discharge, which makes it important that the partitioning ratio will remain constant in the future.
The objective of the research project is threefold: (1) to understand the partitioning of water and sediment at bifurcations in lowland rivers, (2) to create insight on the morphodynamic adjustment at bifurcations, and (3) to develop tools and propose measures that enable controlling the partitioning of water and sediment at bifurcations.
The method comprises the analysis of field and lab data, the use of conceptual or analytical models to gain insight on the fundamental mechanisms, 1D numerical models, and more complex 2D/3D morphodynamic models. Although the bifurcations in the upper Rhine delta are the focus, also bifurcations in the lower delta of the Rhine branches, and bifurcations in the Mississippi and Ayerawady river will be studied.
Daily advisor of the project is Dr Ralph Schielen and co-advisor is Dr Astrid Blom. A practitioner group, consisting of members affiliated with the various water management authorities, and consultancies will warrant the link to practice. This project is part of a research program Rivers2Morrow (www.rivers2morrow.nl), which is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. Aim of the program is to study the long term development of lowland rivers (especially the Rhine-Meuse delta) under climate change. A close connection and collaboration with other PhD students within the program is foreseen.

If applying for the PhD position, the candidate is required to have an MSc degree in Civil Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related field. In particular, the preferred candidate has a strong interest in mathematical modelling, numerical coding, and a better understanding of fluvial processes. He/she is communicative, curious, eager to learn, and able to work in a multi-disciplinary team of scientists.

Fixed-term contract: Temporary.

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. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The minimum salary mentioned is the salary in your first year. The salary mentioned as the maximum will be your salary in your fourth year.
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.

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 institutes. 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 the following seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design (3Md), Engineering Structures, Geoscience & Engineering, Geoscience & 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, protection against water, transport over water, and building in water.
The PhD candidate will be working within the section of Rivers, Ports & Waterways, and Dredging Engineering (RPWDE). The Rivers Group withing the RPWDE section focuses on river response to manmade and natural changes, nature-based solutions to fluvial problems, and the design of effective engineering solutions.