PhD on Physical modelling of Backward Erosion Piping: a look into progression and meandering.
Job description
The Netherlands relies heavily on its dikes. However, current models do not show exactly how dikes collapse when seepage flows erode sand underneath a dike (i.e., Backward Erosion Piping, BEP). The Digital Dikes project is changing that. The consortium aims to develop advanced digital models with varying degrees of detail, integrated into a flexible open-source tool, assimilating monitoring data to give probabilistic predictions. This framework can assess the probability (and severity) of pipe progression as a function of dike geometry, variability of subsurface properties and hydraulic loads. The novel technology will be tested through real-world case studies, co-designed with industry, government, and international users. This makes accurate risk assessment and targeted dike reinforcement possible.
Digital Dikes is a prestigious and ambitious project, funded by The Dutch Research Council (NWO), involving partners from University of Twente (leading institution), the University of Utrecht, University of Eindhoven, University of Bologna, Deltares, and TU Delft. The partners are supported by a large group of users, government, e.g., Water Authorities, Rijkswaterstaat, STOWA, Dutch Flood Protection Programme, and international organisations.
Physical modelling has significantly advanced our understanding of BEP initiation and progression, especially regarding the influence of hydraulic gradients, pore fluid pressures, and the relative density of granular soils. This PhD position aims to push the boundaries of experimental BEP modelling by developing new experimental setups, incorporating novel measurement techniques, and exploring mechanisms that remain only marginally understood, such as the 3D meandering behaviour of pipe networks. The experimental models aim at identifying the driving interactions at the grain-scale and the influence of a non-uniform blanket layer in the propagation stage of BEP. This will be complemented by interpreting 3D patterns of BEP in a small setup by means of image analysis and spatial statistics.
The project combines fundamental research with applied relevance and will be carried out jointly between TU Delft and Deltares, offering a rich multi-institutional research environment. In addition to their individual scientific projects, all fellows will benefit from continuing education, which includes secondments and short visits to partners in the Digital Dikes network, e.g., Waterschap Drents Overijsselse Delta, Waterschap Hollandse Delta, Fugro, University of Sheffield, and a close collaboration with the PhD project on a Fully-resolved simulation of BEP (supervised by University of Twente and University of Lyon). Moreover, the project involves a wide range of training activities, workshops, dedicated sessions at international meetings, to foster scientific and transferable skills for the Jobs of Tomorrow.
Job requirements
You are a motivated graduate looking to apply your skills and curiosity to improve the reliability and resilience of flood protection structures. With your pioneering mindset and communicative nature, you thrive in complex multidisciplinary teams and have an interest in connecting field data and observations with the lab.
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with:
- A Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Hydraulic Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Soil Mechanics, Engineering Geology or a closely related field.
- Strong interest in experimental research and physical modelling.
- Programming skills (like Python, MATLAB) and keen interest in using them in image analysis and data processing.
- Affinity with granular materials, fluid–soil interaction, or soil erosion processes.
- Experience with laboratory work, imaging techniques, or particle-scale measurements (preferred, not required).
- Strong scientific writing skills, with the ability to document experimental work clearly and translate findings into high-quality scientific publications.
- Good communication skills and the ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment, learning and communicating with the project stakeholders.
- Proficiency in English (spoken and written).
- Availability to start on Autumn 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
Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.
Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.
The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.
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
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. M. Cabrera, TU Delf, M.A.Cabrera@tudelft.nl or Dr. V. van Beek, Deltares, vera.vanbeek@deltares.nl
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 14 June 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:
- A motivation letter (max 2 pages)
- Your CV
- Academic transcripts (BSc and MSc)
You can address your application to Miguel Cabrera.
Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.
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.
