In coastal rivers, salty seawater intrudes into river estuaries, reducing the availability of precious fresh water and potentially salinizing ground water. Worldwide, salt intrusion is increasing due to e.g. sea level, extreme droughts and human interventions. Various physical processes cause the intrusion of salt. It is still poorly understood what processes are dominant in different rivers and how these processes may change looking 50-100 years into the future. A better understanding of these processes and how they change is an essential step in describing the vulnerability of our rivers and defining potential mitigating interventions. The modelling of salt intrusion to create such better understanding is mathematically challenging.

You will develop a physics-based mathematical model that has unique abilities for analysing physical processes of salt intrusion efficiently for large numbers of environmental conditions. The model is based on nonlinear partial differential equations in three-dimensional space. Constructing this model is mathematically challenging and requires knowledge and skills in analytical techniques for the solution of partial differential equations (PDEs), numerical discretisation using Finite Element Methods, numerical mathematics, programming (Python) and high-performance computing. You will be challenged in all these subfields to find the best balance between model realism, analysability and computational speed. The model builds on techniques developed by the supervisor in recent years and will result in an open-source toolbox.

Using this model, you will work on the physical interpretation of the results for engineers and physicists. The development of physical intuition to understand your model results and the communication of these findings will be an important part of your work. You will get actively involved in collaborations with engineers, scientists and managers working on actual salt intrusion questions in various rivers worldwide.

The candidate should:

• hold a master's degree in (Applied) Mathematics, (Applied) Physics, or Civil Engineering with a clear affinity for applied mathematics,
• have eagerness to work on development and (numerical) analysis of a mathematical model as well as the interpretation of results for physical oceanographers and engineers.
• be skilled in programming.
• have excellent proficiency in English, both written and spoken.

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 € 2770 per month in the first year to € 3539 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 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

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!

Faculty Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.