PhD Position in Coastal Engineering: Modeling Dune Resilience to Wave Overwash
Listed on 2026-01-02
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Engineering
Research Scientist, Environmental Engineer -
Research/Development
Research Scientist
Organisation/Company KU LEUVEN Department Engineering Technology Research Field Engineering » Civil engineering Environmental science » Earth science Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Country Belgium Final date to receive applications 12 Jan 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Mar 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number BAP
- Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
The rising sea level and increasing storm intensities threaten the Belgian coast. Dunes serve as a natural safeguard, but they face significant erosion risks from wave overwash. This project aims to enhance the XBeach coastal model by integrating advanced sediment transport and groundwater flow models, leveraging insights from fluvial hydraulics and new field experiments. The PhD candidate will work on:
Responsibilities- Collecting and analyzing data from field measurements and laboratory experiments
- Comparing and evaluating existing numerical models, including XBeach and Watlab (developed at UCLouvain/iMMC)
- Developing and implementing improved numerical models for dune erosion and overwash.
- Validating the enhanced model against real-world storm events and providing practical guidelines for coastal protection.
- A Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Coastal Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Hydraulics, Geosciences, or a related field
- Strong background in hydrodynamics, sediment transport, and numerical modeling
- Experience with computational tools such as XBeach, SWASH, Watlab or CFD modeling is an asset
- Programming skills (Python, C++, MATLAB, or Fortran) are required
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities along with a good team-spirit.
- Fluent in English (both written and spoken), Dutch or French is an asset.
- A 4-year fully funded PhD in a leading research environment at KU Leuven and UCLouvain
- Access to cutting-edge numerical and experimental facilities
- Collaboration with international experts in coastal engineering and sediment transport
- Opportunity to contribute to real-world coastal defense strategies.
- A Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Coastal Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Hydraulics, Geosciences, or a related field
- Strong background in hydrodynamics, sediment transport, and numerical modeling
- Experience with computational tools such as XBeach, SWASH, Watlab or CFD modeling is an asset
- Programming skills (Python, C++, MATLAB, or Fortran) are required
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities along with a good team-spirit.
- Fluent in English (both written and spoken), Dutch or French is an asset.
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