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.

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

Job description

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)

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 joining 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

• 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.
• 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.

• Salary range: €3706 - €5760
• FTE: 1,0

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.

As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed.