Postdoc WadSED: Wadden Sea and Estuaries: System Dynamics and Sediment Management under Climate Change

We are seeking a Postdoc candidate for WadSED, a large NWO project on the Wadden Sea tidal basins and the Western Scheldt estuary. We seek to understand these systems and predict their morphodynamics and long-term morphological development under influence of natural dynamics, human interference and sea-level rise. Multiple PhDs and Postdocs will work on this challenge and link new insights to the societal challenges regarding sediment management, ecology and flood safety. The topic of this Postdoc project focuses on fundamental research on 2D/3D morphodynamic modelling.

Position at Delft University of Technology:

The objective of the Postdoc at TU Delft is to improve the Delft3D software concerning graded sediment, bed-slope effects and numerical implementation for a theoretically sound solution of the exaggerated channel erosion problem in morphodynamic modelling. Model tests with our novel data of channel dynamics in the Wadden Sea, Scheldt estuary and other systems will result in guidelines for user experts using Delft3D.

You will be part of a larger team of PhDs and postdocs from WadSed and be encouraged to collaborate on common topics, mutually exchange new insights, and where possible incorporate them in your research. At TU Delft, you will be part of the Coastal Engineering section where we combine research on hydrodynamics, morphodynamics, and human interventions to the coast using numerical modelling and field measurements. You will primarily work with Dano Roelvink and Zheng Bing Wang. You will get a workplace at Deltares where you can collaborate with the developers of Delft3D and other experts.

For more information on the project and subprojects see WadSED. This vacancy concerns project WP2.4.

Required conditions are:

• PhD in a relevant field, e.g. Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Oceanography, Physical Geography, Physics, Mathematics.
• A record of scholarly contributions i.e. publications or software products, commensurate with this career stage.
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral), including proficiency in English.

In addition:

• You have demonstrated an affinity and a strong interest in numerical model development and application.
• You look forward to dive into the fundamental mechanisms behind hydrodynamics sediment transport and translate that into concepts for numerical modelling.
• You have a passion for doing interdisciplinary research in teams and demonstrate inclusive values towards building a diverse community.
• You like to finish what you start.

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.

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 29 November 2023 via the application button and upload:

• Motivation letter (2-3 pages): Convince us why you are suited for this position: what attracts you?; how do your knowledge and skills match with the position/project (and where not)? What is your ambition, and how does this position fit in? How do you demonstrate your capacity to work in a team?;
• Curriculum Vitae;
• Link to your PhD thesis (or draft version, in case not yet finished) and relevant publication(s) or preprint(s);
• Contact details of two references;
• Optional life-impact statement (1 page max) discussing any major life circumstance(s) that have impacted your career trajectory or performance (e.g., illness, caretaking responsibilities).  

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-Employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.