PhD Position on Physical Modelling of Backward Erosion Piping

Join a PhD project on the physical modelling of Backward Erosion Piping: a look into progression and meandering.

Join a PhD project focused on the physical modelling of Backward Erosion Piping (BEP), with particular attention to pipe progression and 3D meandering behaviour.

The Netherlands relies heavily on its dikes. However, current models do not show exactly how dikes collapse when seepage flows erode sand underneath a dike (i.e., Backward Erosion Piping, BEP). The Digital Dikes project is changing that. The consortium aims to develop advanced digital models with varying degrees of detail, integrated into a flexible open-source tool, assimilating monitoring data to give probabilistic predictions. This framework can assess the probability and severity of pipe progression as a function of dike geometry, variability of subsurface properties and hydraulic loads. The novel technology will be tested through real-world case studies, co-designed with industry, government and international users. This makes accurate risk assessment and targeted dike reinforcement possible.

Digital Dikes is a prestigious and ambitious project, funded by The Dutch Research Council (NWO), involving partners from University of Twente (leading institution), the University of Utrecht, University of Eindhoven, University of Bologna, Deltares and TU Delft. The partners are supported by a large group of users, including government bodies such as Water Authorities, Rijkswaterstaat, STOWA, the Dutch Flood Protection Programme and international organisations.

Physical modelling has significantly advanced our understanding of BEP initiation and progression, especially regarding the influence of hydraulic gradients, pore fluid pressures and the relative density of granular soils. This PhD position aims to 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. The experimental models aim to identify the driving interactions at the grain scale and the influence of a non-uniform blanket layer in the propagation stage of BEP. This will be complemented by interpreting 3D patterns of BEP in a small setup by means of image analysis and spatial statistics.

The project combines fundamental research with applied relevance and will be carried out jointly between TU Delft and Deltares, offering a rich multi-institutional research environment. In addition to their individual scientific projects, all fellows will benefit from continuing education, which includes secondments and short visits to partners in the Digital Dikes network, e.g., Waterschap Drents Overijsselse Delta, Waterschap Hollandse Delta, Fugro and the University of Sheffield, as well as 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 and dedicated sessions at international meetings to foster scientific and transferable skills.

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, Engineering Geology or a closely related field.
• Strong interest in experimental research and physical modelling.
• Programming skills such as Python or MATLAB, and keen interest in applying them to 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 is preferred, but 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 project stakeholders.
• Proficiency in English, spoken and written.
• Availability to start in Autumn 2026.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society.

Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences

The Faculty of Civil Engineering and 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. Its research feeds into educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource availability, urbanisation and clean water. Research projects are conducted in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG supports open science in research practice and comprises 28 research groups across seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management and Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport and Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management.

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.

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, a monthly work costs contribution and the possibility of flexible work schedules.