PhD : Intra-wave modeling of coastal nourishment morphodynamics

PhD opening:
Intra-wave modeling of coastal nourishment morphodynamics

Looking for a job that matters? Join the university of technology that puts people first – and shape new opportunities both for yourself and for others.

This research position is part of the NWO-funded SOURCE program:
Sand nourishment strategies for sustainable Coastal Ecosystems. The SOURCE philosophy is that carefully planned sand nourishment in the present will create future resilient and dynamic multifunctional coastal landscapes. SOURCE will deliver the scientific knowledge, models and design tools to develop and evaluate nourishment strategies in a multi‑stakeholder co‑creation process. Our Living Labs are two sand nourishment sites along the Dutch coast while the consortium co‑designs, monitors and evaluates them.

There are a total of twelve positions – PhD, Post‑Doc and other researchers – at eight academic institutes. They will collaborate closely with 25 partners from government organisations, research institutes, nature organisations and industry.

Within the SOURCE program, your project aims to unravel controlling cross‑shore sand transport processes at various scales, such as bottom boundary layer processes, vertical turbulence and sand mixing, and effects of wave breaking. You will develop a detailed research model to describe intra‑wave cross‑shore sand transport and morphodynamics (e.g., Open Foam). The model will be validated using lab and field data.

Finally, the research model will be used to inform the development of a more practical numerical model (e.g., Delft3D) that will be developed within another SOURCE PhD project to predict nourishment’s lifetime, spreading and impacts on coastal state indicators.

Being part of the SOURCE team implies close interaction with your UT supervisors as well as fellow researchers within the consortium, especially with knowledge institute Deltares. Regular consortium meetings will accommodate knowledge exchange with our partners, increasing the relevance and impact of our research. You will present your work at (inter) national conferences and publish your findings in journal papers and a PhD thesis.

• MSc in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, Applied Mathematics, Coastal Engineering, or a related discipline.
• You have experience with numerical methods and CFD modelling such as Open Foam.
• You have sound programming skills (e.g., C++, Python, Matlab, other).
• Your organisational skills are good. You are independent and have a problem‑solving attitude.
• You are willing to contribute to the Civil Engineering teaching programme and to supervise MSc thesis projects.
• Your writing skills are good.
• You are fluent in English, both spoken and written (IELTS &gte; 6.5 or equivalent).

• Challenging work in an inspiring multidisciplinary environment with enthusiastic colleagues.
• Four‑year full‑time PhD position, with a qualifier exam after 6–9 months.
• Full status as an employee at the UT, including pension and health care benefits.
• Gross monthly salary ranging from € 3 059 (first year) to € 3 881 (fourth year).
• Annual holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, and an end‑of‑year bonus of 8.3%.
• Minimum of 41 holidays per year in case of full‑time employment (40 h/week).
• You have to be willing to move to (the vicinity of) Enschede. A relocation allowance or temporary housing allowance may be part of the offer.
• The University of Twente is situated on a green and lively campus with lots of facilities for sports (free of access) and other activities.
• We provide excellent mentorship and a stimulating research environment to accelerate your further professional and personal growth.

Research will be your primary focus, but you will also contribute to teaching activities (about 10% of your time) for which didactical training is provided. We support you to broaden your knowledge by joining international exchange programmes, by participating in national and international conferences and workshops and by visiting industrial companies, research institutes and universities worldwide.

For more information about the position, you are encouraged to contact Dr.…