PhD Position on the Impact of Extreme Events on Structures

Challenge: Extreme water events threaten people and infrastructure

Change: Understand impact dynamics with experiments and numerical simulations

Impact: Optimize the design of resilient infrastructure

We are looking for an enthusiastic and talented PhD student to join the NWO-VIDI project 'Not-Just-Water' to investigate the impact of extreme water events on (infra)structure. These events such as (flash)floods, dam failures, coastal floods, storm surges and tsunamis generate highly unsteady flows whose interaction with buildings is poorly understood. In particular, the coupling between hydraulic processes and structural response represents a major knowledge gap.

Job description

In this PhD project, you will focus on impact dynamics on structures, establishing direct links between unsteady hydraulic loads and the structure’s response. Working in TU Delft’s Hydraulic Engineering laboratory, you will design and perform advanced large-scale experiments using our dam-break facility and instrumented building models (impervious and with openings) capturing loads and pressures on various structural elements, both horizontally and vertically.

Integrating experiments with numerical simulations (e.g. CFD-OpenFOAM, OpenSees), you will provide new understanding of the coupled water-structure interaction during extreme events. Positioned at the interface between hydraulic and structural engineering, your research will help explaining how structures respond to extreme hydraulic loading and provide the scientific basis for safer and more optimized engineering solutions.

This position offers a unique opportunity to combine fundamental research with real-world impact, developing the knowledge and tools needed to better protect communities against future extreme events. You will collaborate closely with international academic and industrial partners, as part of a multidisciplinary team working at the forefront of climate-resilient infrastructure research.

Our team values a supportive and inclusive working environment where diverse perspectives are encouraged. You will receive guidance and mentoring to develop your scientific and professional skills, with opportunities to co-supervise MSc students, present your work internationally, and participate in TU Delft’s extensive training programme.

The position is embedded within the globally recognized Department of Hydraulic Engineering at TU Delft, renowned for excellence in education, research, and innovation. The department addresses major societal challenges, including climate adaptation, energy transition, and sustainable development, supported by world-class experimental facilities and a vibrant international community of around 68 permanent staff members and more than 100 PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers.

Job requirements

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with the following qualifications:

Need-to-haves:

• A MSc in Civil (Hydraulic) Engineering, Civil (Structural) Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrable experience with data processing, signal analysis and programming (e.g. Python/Matlab).
• Ability to work independently as well as in a multi-disciplinary team.
• Fluent in English (oral and written).

Nice-to-haves:

• Previous laboratory experience is a plus.
• Availability to start preferably in January/February 2027.

TU Delft

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

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.

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, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.