PhD Position Urban Water Infrastructure Transitions 1

PhD Position Urban Water Infrastructure Transitions

Urban water infrastructure transitions: integrating climate adaptation, circularity, mobility, and energy transitions.

Urban water infrastructure is under increasing pressure due to rapid urbanization, densification, and climate change. Municipalities in the Netherlands are redeveloping urban areas to mitigate climate effects such as heat stress, drought, and flooding. While municipalities have developed clear and integrated visions at the policy level, practical implementation is often hindered by financial, spatial, and planning constraints.

You will focus on developing innovative strategies for urban water infrastructure transitions, helping municipalities create climate-resilient urban environments. You will develop the research strategy, which may include modelling, data analysis, surveys, serious gaming, and project evaluations. The research is part of the Urban Drainage Knowledge Programme, funded by the Dutch urban drainage sector and hosted by the Water Management Department at TU Delft’s Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences.

The Urban Water Infrastructure research group conducts cutting-edge research on the management, control, and transition of urban drainage and drinking water systems, integrating both traditional (grey) and nature-based (blue-green) infrastructure solutions. As a PhD candidate, you will work closely with municipalities, water authorities, and researchers to develop practical and scientifically sound strategies for urban water resilience. Ours is an inspiring, friendly and a supportive environment, in which we collaborate closely and share ideas and knowledge. As PhD student, you will be given the opportunity to coach and supervise Master students and you will receive all the training you need to evolve to an independent researcher and scientist.

Job requirements

We are looking for a PhD candidate with:

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Sanitary Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Engineering and Policy Analysis, or a related field.
• A strong interest in urban water challenges, climate adaptation, and infrastructure transitions, and a passion to work on innovative solutions.
• Excellent communication skills and enthusiasm for working in interdisciplinary teams.
• Proficiency in Dutch (due to close collaboration with Dutch stakeholders).
• Experience with modelling, policy analysis, or systems analysis is appreciated but not required.

Don’t meet all the requirements? We encourage you to apply if you are excited about this research and believe you can contribute!

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

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.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €2901 per month in the first year to €3707 in the fourth year. 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.

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

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Jeroen Langeveld, Associate Professor, via j.g.langeveld@tudelft.nl.