PhD Position in Digital Twins for Flood-Resilient Infrastructure

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft); Delft; On-site; EUR 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

DT for flood-resilient infrastructure management is at the core of this TU Delft PhD project. You will develop Digital Twins integrating multiple models and data sources to improve predictive flood risk for critical infrastructure, collaborating with international partners and stakeholders.

The role offers a structured 4-year appointment with formal governance, mentoring, and opportunities for international collaboration, focusing on both academic research and practical end-user deployment in

Qualifications

• MSc degree in Civil Engineering, Computer Science or Hydro-informatics (or in a related discipline).
• Demonstrated experience in numerical modelling, hydrodynamic simulation and data management.
• Scientific and/or practical knowledge of machine learning.
• Excellent programming skills (e.g. in Python, SQL, Java, PyTorch, etc.).
• A critical, creative and pro-active approach to research, with distinctive problem-solving skills.
• Proven experience with writing scientific reports/publications.
• Confidence/willingness in engaging with partners and stakeholders.
• Excellent command of English (oral and written).
• Previous internship experience with non-academic institutions is desiderable.

Responsibilities

• Develop functional modules for Digital Twins, such as risk analysis, scenario modelling and processing of monitoring data.
• Develop hybrid (physics based/machine learning) modelling for flood risk.
• Apply and validate the Digital Twin functionalities for simplified representation of infrastructure (first) and real case studies (second).
• Implement the developed functionalities into end users' platforms.
• Co-organise workshops and co-coordinate stakeholder engagement (e.g. regular meetings, presentations, visits).

Skills

Numerical modelling

Hydrodynamic simulation

Data management

Machine learning

Programming languages

Education

MSc degree in Civil Engineering, Computer Science or Hydro-informatics

Tools

Python

SQL

Java

PyTorch

Job description

Job description

Develop and implement a Digital Twin that strengthens our ability to protect critical infrastructure against flooding.

Current and future impact of flooding to critical infrastructure (e.g. dikes, bridges) is a major concern worldwide. Unfortunately, the management of flood-prone structures is extremely challenging because underlying processes are complex and uncertain. If our capacity to anticipate flood-induced impacts on infrastructure does not improve, societal and economic consequences are likely to be unsustainable.

Digital Twins (DTs) offer a promising opportunity to combine recent advances in modelling, data assimilation and machine learning. However, for DTs to support the management of flood-prone infrastructure, they must be effectively integrated with flood-risk modelling. The scientific challenge is to develop methods that enable Digital Twins to leverage multiple models, datasets and computational techniques to improve predictive capacity in real flood-risk contexts.

FlooDT (Digital Twin for flood-resilient infrastructure management) is a prestigious and ambitious project funded by NWO. It aims to develop a new methodological framework to exploit the capability of DTs for managing flood risk “from climate prediction to structure protection”. TU Delft is leading the project and a consortium that involves multiple universities (e.g. ETH Zurich, Univ. Polytechnica of Catalunya) and stakeholders (e.g. Deltares, Rijkswaterstaat). The project has also the support of the TU Delft Digital Competence Centre (DCC).

For this unique project we are seeking a motivated and talented PhD candidate for a 4-year appointment. In your role you will:

• Develop functional modules for Digital Twins, such as risk analysis, scenario modelling and processing of monitoring data.
• Develop hybrid (physics based/machine learning) modelling for flood risk.
• Apply and validate the Digital Twin functionalities for simplified representation of infrastructure (first) and real case studies (second).
• Implement the developed functionalities into end users' platforms.
• Co‑organise workshops and co‑coordinate stakeholder engagement (e.g. regular meetings, presentations, visits).

You will join the FlooDT team and the Flood Risk and Hydraulic Structures section, a collaborative and international team where curiosity, interdisciplinary research and scientific excellence are valued. Our section closely collaborates with the other sections within the Department of Hydraulic Engineering, other departments within our Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geoscience and many research groups around the world. We offer strong support for your professional growth, including mentoring, training, and ample opportunities for international collaboration and networking.

This position will open doors to exciting career opportunities in both academia and the future-facing companies that are shaping the next generation of digital technologies.

Job requirements

We are looking for an excellent, enthusiastic and inquisitive computational researcher who enjoys working in an international and multidisciplinary environment. You have:

• A MSc degree in Civil Engineering, Computer Science or Hydro-informatics (or in a related discipline).
• Demostrated experience in numerical modelling, hydrodynamic simulation and data management.
• Scientific and/or practical knowledge of machine learning.
• Excellent programming skills (e.g. in Python, SQL, Java, PyTorch, etc.).
• A critical, creative and pro‑active approach to research, with distinctive problem‑solving skills.
• Proven experience with writing scientific reports/publications.
• Confidence/willingness in engaging with partners and stakeholders.
• Excellent command of English (oral and written).
• Previous internship experience with non‑academic institutions is desiderable.

About TU Delft

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference. For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high‑quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

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 €3204 - €4051 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.

Relocation and Dual Career Programme

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.