PhD Position Impact of Extreme Events Structures

PhD Position on the Impact of Extreme Events on Structures

Challenge:
Extreme water events threaten people and infrastructure

Change:
Understand impact dynamics with experiments and numerical simulations

Impact:
Optimize the design of resilient infrastructure

We are looking for an enthusiastic and talented PhD student to join the NWO-VIDI project 'Not-Just-Water' to investigate the impact of extreme water events on (infra) structure. These events such as (flash) floods, dam failures, coastal floods, storm surges and tsunamis generate highly unsteady flows whose interaction with buildings is poorly understood. In particular, the coupling between hydraulic processes and structural response represents a major knowledge gap.

In this PhD project, you will focus on impact dynamics on structures, establishing direct links between unsteady hydraulic loads and the structure’s response. Working in TU Delft’s Hydraulic Engineering laboratory, you will design and perform advanced large-scale experiments using our dam-break facility and instrumented building models (impervious and with openings) capturing loads and pressures on various structural elements, both horizontally and vertically.

Integrating experiments with numerical simulations (e.g. CFD-OpenFOAM, Open Sees), you will provide new understanding of the coupled water-structure interaction during extreme events. Positioned at the interface between hydraulic and structural engineering, your research will help explaining how structures respond to extreme hydraulic loading and provide the scientific basis for safer and more optimized engineering solutions.

This position offers a unique opportunity to combine fundamental research with real-world impact, developing the knowledge and tools needed to better protect communities against future extreme events. You will collaborate closely with international academic and industrial partners, as part of a multidisciplinary team working at the forefront of climate-resilient infrastructure research.

Our team values a supportive and inclusive working environment where diverse perspectives are encouraged. You will receive guidance and mentoring to develop your scientific and professional skills, with opportunities to co-supervise MSc students, present your work internationally, and participate in TU Delft’s extensive training programme.

The position is embedded within the globally recognized Department of Hydraulic Engineering (HE) at TU Delft, renowned for excellence in education, research, and innovation. The department addresses major societal challenges, including climate adaptation, energy transition, and sustainable development, supported by world-class experimental facilities and a vibrant international community of around 68 permanent staff members and more than 100 PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers.

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with the following qualifications:

Need-to-haves:

• A MSc in Civil (Hydraulic) Engineering, Civil (Structural) Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrable experience with data processing, signal analysis and programming (e.g. Python/Matlab).
• Ability to work independently as well as in a multi-disciplinary team.
• Fluent in English (oral and written).

Nice-to-haves:

• Previous laboratory experience is a plus.
• Availability to start preferably in January/February 2027.

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering…