Help us reveal how cracks develop in historic masonry quay walls. Model how cracks evolve in historic masonry quay walls. Join TU Delft to build more resilient cities.
Job description
We are looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher to advance the numerical modelling of historical masonry quay walls, with a focus on crack initiation, propagation, and damage evolution. These structures are characterised by large wall thicknesses, irregular bond patterns, varying material quality, and exposure to combined hazards such as traffic loading and soil settlement. A detailed understanding of their fracture behaviour is essential for ensuring long-term safety and guiding preservation strategies.
In this position, you will develop high-fidelity block-based numerical models capable of representing the geometric and mechanical complexity of historical multi-wythe masonry. Your work will involve analysing how cracks form and propagate, identifying transitions between damage states, and quantifying failure mechanisms under realistic loading scenarios. The detailed simulations you produce will support the development of simplified continuum-based models, enabling fast assessments across large quay wall networks.
This position is part of the Bridge and Quay Walls (Bruggen en Kademuren) programme of the Municipality of Amsterdam, which aims to improve the evaluation and management of ageing quay wall infrastructure. You will collaborate closely with researchers working on complementary topics, including soil–structure interaction, material characterisation, dynamic loading, and monitoring, and with engineers from the city’s infrastructure department.
TU Delft offers a collaborative and international research environment that encourages innovation, teamwork, and professional development. If you are motivated to apply advanced numerical methods to real-world structural challenges and contribute to the sustainable preservation of historic infrastructure, we welcome your application.
Job requirements
You excel in developing complex numerical models and analysing simulations, bringing strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with colleagues and project partners. Specifically, you have:
- Education: A PhD in a relevant field, with knowledge of structural mechanics, masonry mechanics, nonlinear finite element analysis.
- Technical Skills: Experience with advanced finite element software and nonlinear static and dynamic analyses. Specifically, high proficiency with both DIANA FEA and ABAQUS. Strong numerical skills and proficiency in Python (preferred) and/or MATLAB for data analysis are required.
Experience with the assessment of masonry structures under multiple loading hazards.
- Language: Excellent command of English; basic Dutch proficiency is a plus.
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 8 months. Temporary.
- A job of 36-40 hours per week.
- Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
- An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
- The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
- Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
- Flexible working week.
- Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
- Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
- Partially paid parental leave
- Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.
Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands. .
Additional information
If you want more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr Francesco Messali, Assistant Professor, email: F.Messali@tudelft.nl
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 5 April 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:
- Single-page motivation letter specifically addressing this position.
- Complete CV (maximum 2 pages).
- Publication list.
You can address your application to Dr Francesco Messali.
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.
- Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.
