Challenge: Understand how extreme events impact structures
Change: Quantify the role of air during extreme events
Impact: Advance understanding of impact dynamics and resilient infrastructure design
Job description
We are looking for an enthusiastic and talented Postdoctoral Researcher to join the NWO-VIDI project Not-Just-Water, which investigates how multiple phases (e.g. air, water, debris) influence impact loads on structures during extreme hydrodynamic events. These events (such as (flash)floods, dam failures, coastal floods and tsunamis) generate highly unsteady, aerated flows whose interaction with buildings is poorly understood. In particular, the role of air during the impact remains a key knowledge gap.
In this position, you will focus on the effect of air on impact loads and pressures, performing advanced laboratory experiments that will deliver a comprehensive dataset on air-water characteristics during the impacts. Working in TU Delft’s Hydraulic Engineering laboratory, you will design and carry out large-scale tests using our dam-break facility and instrumented building models (impervious and with openings). Experiments will use Phase-Detection Probes, high-speed imaging and force/pressure measurements to simultaneously capture detailed air-water features and impact loads. Altogether, your research will deepen our understanding of entrained and entrapped air during extreme events, and through collaboration with academic and industry partners, it will provide essential information for the design of safer hydraulic infrastructure.
This position offers a unique opportunity to combine fundamental research with real-world application, creating the tools, knowledge, and strategies needed to better protect communities from the floods of tomorrow. You will work closely with international experts from academia and industry, as well as with a PhD student focused on structural aspects, forming a strong, multidisciplinary team that will maximize the impact of this research on the civil engineering community. Our team promotes a healthy and collaborative work environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and where you will receive full support to develop your skills and expertise, including mentoring, opportunities to co-supervise students, and access to TU Delft’s training programme.
This vacancy is positioned within the globally recognized Department of Hydraulic Engineering (HE), known for its excellence in education, research, and career development, addressing key challenges like climate change, energy transition, and biodiversity loss. The department boasts cutting-edge facilities, a collaborative culture, and a diverse team, including 68 permanent staff, and over 100 PhD students and postdocs driving innovative research.
Job requirements
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with the following qualifications:
- A PhD in Civil (Hydraulic) Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
- Demonstrated experience and skills in experimental work, including strong skills in data processing, signal analysis, and programming (e.g. Python/Matlab).
- Ability to work well independently as well as in a multi-disciplinary team.
- Fluent in English (oral and written).
- Availability to start preferably in June/July 2026.
TU Delft (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 of Civil Engineering and Geosciences
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.
Conditions of employment
- Duration of contract is 28 months.
- A job of 32-40 hours per week.
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.
Additional information
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Davide Wüthrich (Assistant Professor in Hydraulic Structures) at d.wuthrich@tudelft.nl
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Apply via the application buttom below no later than 25 January 2026 and upload:
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae, including your list of publications.
- A cover letter (max. 1 page) describing your motivation and qualifications for the position, including the contact information of three references.
IMPORTANT: Applications by email will NOT be considered.
Please note:
- You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
- As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
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