Postdoc in Hydrodynamics, Sediment Transport and Morphological Recovery of Sand Extraction Pits

TU Delft; Delft; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ABP pension

Education and training opportunities

Leave and flexible working hours

Relocation assistance

Opportunity to compile individual empl

Job summary

TU Delft invites applications for a postdoctoral position focused on hydrodynamics, sediment transport, and morphological recovery of offshore sand extraction pits in the Dutch North Sea. The role centers on analyzing field observations from instrumented frames, quantifying pit-induced changes, and linking physics with ecological recovery under a three-year contract.

The successful candidate will work with Dr. Bram van Prooijen and Dr.

Qualifications

• PhD in Hydraulic Engineering or closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in analysis and interpretation of hydrodynamic/morphodynamic data.
• Strong quantitative skills and programming ability.
• Willingness to collaborate across physical and ecological disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Lead analysis of hydrodynamic and morphodynamic measurements from instrumented frames.
• Quantify pit effects on waves, currents, and sediment transport; determine recovery mechanisms and timescales.
• Optionally apply numerical models or data-driven methods to support interpretations; collaborate with ecological work package.

Skills

Hydrodynamics analysis

Morphodynamics analysis

Scientific programming

Data analysis techniques

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

PhD in Hydraulic Engineering

Job description

Postdoc in Hydrodynamics, Sediment Transport and Morphological Recovery of Sand Extraction Pits

Join an interdisciplinary team and use unique North Sea field observations to uncover how waves, currents, and sediment transport drive the recovery of offshore sand extraction pits.

The BACI Sand Extraction project is a multidisciplinary research programme that aims to understand the ecological, hydrodynamic, and morphodynamic impacts of offshore sand extraction. Using a Before-After-Control-Impact (BACI) approach, the project aims to unravel the processes driving the physical and ecological recovery of a medium-depth sand extraction pit over timescales ranging from individual storms to multiple years.

As part of the project, an intensive field experiment is currently taking place at a newly created 6 m deep sand extraction pit in the Dutch North Sea, and will be repeated at a later stage. Instrumented measurement frames have been installed in and around the extraction pit to monitor waves, turbulence levels, current profiles, suspended sediment concentrations, and seabed evolution during approximately one year following the extraction. These measurements are complemented by several sediment and ecological sampling campaigns and can be compared with a similar dataset acquired prior to sand extraction. Together, these observations provide a unique opportunity to analyze the physical processes controlling sediment transport and morphological adaptation following medium-depth sand extraction, while also providing the physical boundary conditions required to interpret ecological recolonization within the extraction pit. A major knowledge gap concerns how the interaction between waves, currents, turbulence, and evolving pit geometry controls sediment transport and ultimately determines the morphological recovery. In particular, it remains unclear whether recovery is dominated by rare high-energy storm events or by more progressive in filling, and how these processes vary through time as the pit evolves. Addressing these questions is essential for predicting the long-term impacts of offshore sand extraction and supporting nature-inclusive management of the North Sea.

The postdoctoral researcher will take the lead on the analysis of the hydrodynamic and morphodynamic measurements collected by the instrumented frames. An important part of the work will be to quantify how the sand extraction pit modifies waves, currents, and sediment transport processes, and to determine the mechanisms and timescales governing morphological recovery. Depending on the candidate's expertise and interests, the work may also include the application of numerical models to support the interpretation of field observations, or could include the development of innovative data-driven approaches to improve predictive capabilities. The postdoctoral researcher will furthermore closely interact with the ecological work package to establish the physical boundary conditions underpinning ecological recovery, with opportunities for a more active role in the integration of physical and ecological analyses if that fits the candidate’s interests.

The postdoctoral researcher will be based at TU Delft, working closely with Dr. Bram van Prooijen and Dr. Marion Tissier, while being embedded in a multidisciplinary research consortium involving several leading Dutch governmental, academic, and applied research institutions, including Rijkswaterstaat, Wageningen Marine Research, NIOZ, and Deltares.

This postdoctoral position is for a period of three years. The anticipated starting date is February/March 2027.

Job requirements

• PhD in Hydraulic Engineering, Physical Oceanography, Physical Geography, Marine Science, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in the analysis and interpretation of hydrodynamic and/or morphodynamic field or lab measurements, preferably in coastal or offshore environments.
• Strong quantitative skills, including scientific programming and advanced data analysis techniques.
• Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research and willingness to collaborate with researchers from physical and ecological disciplines.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences

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

• Duration of contract is 3 years. Temporary external finance.
• A job of 32-40 hours per week.
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• 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

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Bram van Prooijen [e-mail] and Marion Tissier [e-mail].

Faculty/Department: Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences

FTE: 1,0