PhD Position in Physical Modelling of Backward Erosion Piping

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft); Delft; On-site; EUR 34,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

TU Delft is seeking a motivated candidate for a PhD position focused on experimental BEP modelling beneath dikes. You will develop new experimental setups, incorporate novel measurements, and explore 3D pipe network meandering in BEP under field-like conditions.

You will analyze grain-scale interactions, study effects of a non-uniform blanket layer, and use image analysis and spatial statistics to understand BEP progression, contributing to improved predictive models and flood protection.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related field.
• Strong interest in experimental research and physical modelling.
• Programming skills (Python and MATLAB) and interest 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).
• Strong scientific writing skills and ability to publish.
• Good communication and ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop new experimental BEP modelling setups and measurement techniques.
• Analyse 3D patterns of BEP using image analysis and spatial statistics.
• Study grain-scale interactions and the influence of non-uniform blanket layers.
• Contribute to predictive BEP models and open-source tools in collaboration with TU Delft and Deltares.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

Experimental research

Image analysis

Lab work

Scientific writing

English proficiency

Education

Master's degree in Civil Engineering or related field

Job description

Challenge: Predicting how backward erosion piping develops beneath dikes.

Change: Using physical models to reveal pipe progression and meandering.

Impact: Improving dike safety and enabling more reliable flood protection.

Job description

The Netherlands relies heavily on its dikes for flood protection. However, current models cannot fully predict how dikes may fail when seepage flows erode the sand beneath them. This process is known as backward erosion piping (BEP). The NWO-funded Digital Dikes project aims to improve these predictions by developing advanced digital models that combine monitoring data with probabilistic assessments of pipe progression and its severity. The resulting open-source platform will support more accurate risk assessments and targeted dike reinforcement. Its capabilities will be tested through real-world case studies, co-designed with industry, government and international partners.

In this PhD position you will 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. You will study the driving interactions at the grain-scale and investigate the influence of a non-uniform blanket layer in the propagation stage of BEP. You will also analyse 3D patterns of BEP in a small setup using image analysis and spatial statistics. Your findings will contribute to a better understanding of pipe progression and provide insights that can support the development of improved predictive models.

Your home base will be the Geoscience and Engineering (GSE) department at TU Delft's Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences. The project will be carried out jointly between TU Delft and Deltares and is part of the NWO-funded Digital Dikes consortium. Led by the University of Twente, the consortium brings together Utrecht University, Eindhoven University of Technology, the University of Bologna, Deltares and TU Delft. It is supported by water authorities, Rijkswaterstaat, STOWA, the Dutch Flood Protection Programme and international organisations.

Working in a rich multi-institutional research environment, you will also benefit from opportunities for 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 or a closely related field.
• Strong interest in experimental research and physical modelling.
• Programming skills (such as Python and 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).

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

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.

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, [e-mail] or Dr. V. van Beek, Deltares, [e-mail]