Postdoc in Advanced Numerical Analysis of Masonry in Historical Quay Walls

Help us reveal how cracks develop in historic masonry quay walls. Model how cracks evolve in historic masonry quay walls. Join TU Delft to build more resilient cities.

Postdoc in Advanced Numerical Analysis of Masonry in Historical Quay Walls

Job description

We are looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher to advance the numerical modelling of historical masonry quay walls, with a focus on crack initiation, propagation, and damage evolution. These structures are characterised by large wall thicknesses, irregular bond patterns, varying material quality, and exposure to combined hazards such as traffic loading and soil settlement. A detailed understanding of their fracture behaviour is essential for ensuring long-term safety and guiding preservation strategies.

In this position, you will develop high-fidelity block-based numerical models capable of representing the geometric and mechanical complexity of historical multi-wythe masonry. Your work will involve analysing how cracks form and propagate, identifying transitions between damage states, and quantifying failure mechanisms under realistic loading scenarios. The detailed simulations you produce will support the development of simplified continuum-based models, enabling fast assessments across large quay wall networks.

This position is part of the Bridge and Quay Walls (Bruggen en Kademuren) programme of the Municipality of Amsterdam, which aims to improve the evaluation and management of ageing quay wall infrastructure. You will collaborate closely with researchers working on complementary topics, including soil–structure interaction, material characterisation, dynamic loading, and monitoring, and with engineers from the city’s infrastructure department.

TU Delft offers a collaborative and international research environment that encourages innovation, teamwork, and professional development. If you are motivated to apply advanced numerical methods to real-world structural challenges and contribute to the sustainable preservation of historic infrastructure, we welcome your application.

Job requirements

You excel in developing complex numerical models and analysing simulations, bringing strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with colleagues and project partners. Specifically, you have:

• Education: A PhD in a relevant field, with knowledge of structural mechanics, masonry mechanics, nonlinear finite element analysis.
• Technical Skills: Experience with advanced finite element software and nonlinear static and dynamic analyses. Specifically, high proficiency with both DIANA FEA and ABAQUS. Strong numerical skills and proficiency in Python (preferred) and/or MATLAB for data analysis are required. Experience with the assessment of masonry structures under multiple loading hazards.
• Language: Excellent command of English; basic Dutch proficiency is a plus.

About TU Delft

TU Delft offers a collaborative and international research environment that encourages innovation, teamwork, and professional development.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 8 months. Temporary.
• 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.
• Flexible working week.
• 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.