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代尔夫特理工大学

PhD Position on Physical Modelling of Backward Erosion Piping

TU Delft | Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences

Salary range: €3059 - €3881

申请截止时间: 14 Jun 2026

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.

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)

莱顿大学

2 PhD positions Patterns in random media

Leiden University | The Mathematical Institute

截止时间：29 May 2026

The Mathematical Institute is looking for two PhD candidates to join the project Patterns in Random Media under the supervision of Hermen Jan Hupkes

What you will do

The PhD positions focus on the dynamical behaviour of systems described by stochastic partial differential equations (SPDEs) or lattice differential equations (LDEs) on grids with randomized structures. In particular, we will consider the impact of randomness on patterns such as travelling waves, spirals and spots. The precise topic of your thesis can be tuned to your interests and background; see https://pub.math.leidenuniv.nl/~hupkeshj for a flavour of past research strongly related to this position.

You will be joining an active and growing research team analyzing the dynamics of patterns from a wide variety of angles, within the larger group in Leiden specialising in ‘Analysis and Dynamical Systems’. You will be able to participate in a range of local and national seminars and the position includes funding to present your work at international conferences and workshops.

Where you will work

Research at our faculty

The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to contribute to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2,500 staff and almost 6,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

The Mathematical Institute (MI) is one of the eight institutes within the Faculty of Science and has a strong international orientation. The institute's mission is to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge by developing and applying high-quality mathematics while offering a wide range of mathematical programs in a friendly and intellectually stimulating environment. We believe that mathematics is a fundamental part of human knowledge, and we take pride in our role as guardians of this rich scientific discipline. We are dedicated to expanding the frontiers of mathematical knowledge and applying our expertise to solve challenges in other sciences, society, and industry. Additionally, we actively promote mathematical literacy through various outreach activities.

The Mathematical Institute focuses on four key research themes: Algebra, Geometry, and Number Theory; Analysis and Dynamical Systems; Probability; and Statistics and Data Science. There is extensive collaboration between these themes. For more information about the Mathematical Institute, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/mathematics.

What you bring

Master’s degree in mathematics, including a solid background in dynamical systems and/or probability;
Written and oral proficiency in English.

What we offer

Our goal is to work together to create a transparent and inclusive work environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated. Our organisation is always evolving and we need your ideas for improvement and innovation to take us further. We want to devote attention to your personal development.

You can count on an enjoyable job within the socially relevant world of education and research. The University's challenging and international work environment is located just steps away from Leiden’s lively city centre. We also want to work with you to devote attention to your health and vitality, for example with the fun activities we organise through Healthy University.

We also offer:

An employment contract for the duration of one year with a view to permanent employment. This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities;
A salary between €3059 - €3881 gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours) (PhD student);
A holiday allowance (8%), an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP;
Full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs for home-to-work travel;
Additional funding is available to support travel to conferences and workshops abroad;
Flexible working hours: as a standard, you are entitled to a minimum of 29 leave days on the basis of a full-time working week of 38 hours;
Lots of options when it comes to secondary employment conditions; within our terms of employment individual choices model, you can exchange leave days and/or salary for benefits such as an advantageous sports subscription and bicycle scheme;
A home-working allowance (day and internet allowance) and attention for good workplaces. The University will also provide you with a laptop.

Want to apply or find out more?

If you want to apply straight away, click the application button.

Please ensure that you join to your application the following documents: