Postdoc in Large-scale Testing of Masonry Quay Wall

Delft University of Technology via AcademicTransfer; Netherlands; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to design and execute a first-of-its-kind large-scale experimental campaign on historic masonry quay walls. You will model, test, and validate the response of quay-wall superstructures, combining experimental solid mechanics with advanced numerical methods under the CANALS project.

You will work in the Structural Mechanics group and TU Delft Masonry lab, collaborating with Dr Rita Esposito and Dr Francesco Messali,

Qualifications

• A PhD degree in civil engineering, or other related areas.
• Knowledge and interest in experimental solid mechanics and, preferably, experience in the design and execution of large-scale tests.
• An enthusiastic and highly motivated candidate with good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work both in a project team and independently, while taking leadership and responsibility for research tasks.
• Excellent communication skills (oral, written, and presentation).
• Experience with research activities in the area of computational modelling of structures, particularly nonlinear finite element analysis of masonry, is considered a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design a new large-scale experimental testing procedure to evaluate the response of a masonry quay-wall superstructure.
• Perform a preliminary numerical study to identify representative loading scenarios and design a novel large-scale set-up.
• Verify the design through the first trial tests and supervise academic staff as part of a team.
• Collaborate with project CANALS and other related projects under senior researchers.

Skills

Experimental solid mechanics

Leadership

Communication skills

Teamwork

Independent work

Presentation skills

Computational modelling

Education

PhD in civil engineering

Tools

Finite element analysis

Job description

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)

Organisation/Company Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) Research Field Engineering » Civil engineering Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Application Deadline 8 Nov 2026 - 22:59 (UTC) Country Netherlands Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Not Applicable Hours Per Week 40.0 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Join the TU Delft Structural Mechanics group to design a first-of-its-kind large-scale experimental campaign on historic masonry quay walls and help safeguard the future of Dutch canal cities.

Job description

Typical Dutch canal cities are currently facing challenges related to the maintenance and safety risk of historical inner city infrastructure. Among others, masonry quay walls represent a large portion of it, especially in major cities such as Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Den Bosch. To understand how to prioritise maintainance, there is a need to estimate the residual service life of these structures. To this end, the TU Delft Structural Mechanics group has developed an advanced numerical modelling strategy to predict the response up to collapse of quay walls. Nevertheless, current laboratory or field experimental results for the validation of such models are limited.

As a postdoc, you will design a new large-scale experimental testing procedure to evaluate the response of a masonry quay-wall superstructure subject to both settlement and lateral out-of-plane loading up to failure. This will include a preliminary numerical study to identify the most representative loading scenarios, the design of novel large-scale set-up, and its verification through the first trial tests.

Your work will be formally part of the project CANALS, funded by the Dutch science foundation (NWO) and it will interface with the ongoing project on the “structural assessment of historical masonry infrastructure” funded by the AMS institute and the Municipality of Amsterdam. Both projects are led by Dr Rita Esposito and Dr Francesco Messali. This will allow you to work in a larger team with other PhDs, providing also the opportunity to gain experience in supervision of academic staff. The candidate is therefore expected to enjoy working in a team.

The candidate will work in the group of Structural Mechanics and in the TU Delft Masonry lab (part of the Macrolab/Stevinlaboratorium) under the supervision of Dr Rita Esposito and Dr Francesco Messali. More information on the group and the research projects can be found here Structural Mechanics.

Job requirements

• A PhD degree in civil engineering, or other related areas.
• Knowledge and interest in experimental solid mechanics and, preferably, experience in the design and execution of large-scale tests.
• An enthusiastic and highly motivated candidate with good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work both in a project team and independently, while taking leadership and responsibility for research tasks.
• Excellent communication skills (oral, written, and presentation).
• Experience with research activities in the area of computational modelling of structures, particularly nonlinear finite element analysis of masonry, is considered a plus.

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

• Duration of contract is 24 months. Temporary.
• A job of 36-40 hours per week.
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• 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 Dr Rita Esposito ( [e-mail] ).