Postdoc in Modelling the Stability of Reef Structures

Do you want to help restore the oyster reefs in the North Sea?

Job description

Reefs serve as carriers of biodiversity but have been largely lost in the North Sea. Restoration is complex and currently primarily conducted at a small research scale. Achieving impactful reef restoration requires upscaling, which demands different knowledge and a different approach. Therefore, Rifherstel-XL (Reef Restoration-XL) will focus on practical learning and deepening the knowledge base on practical experience. The questions it aims to answer primarily concern the development and optimization of large-scale reef restoration methods. To this end, we will actively initiate and facilitate reef restoration, and compare different approaches with respect to the establishment of reef-forming species, biodiversity restoration, and implementation costs. The program consists of a construction and a monitoring phase.

We have a challenging postdoc position available at TU Delft for the first phase. You will help to develop structures that will be placed on the sea floor to kickstart the growth of oyster reefs in the North Sea. In 2027, the real-size structures will be placed on the seabed by offshore vessels. Before this, you will calculate their stability and conduct physical model tests. You are expected to first help test the designs, enabling the project to start with construction of the full-scale prototypes, after which you will lead the writing of a scientific article on this work. A small part of the project involves conducting tests on the strength of real-life trees that will be used as part of one of the types of reef-structures. You will also provide design advice regarding the full-scale structures.

This position is within the globally recognized Department of Hydraulic Engineering (HE), known for its education, research, and career development, addressing key challenges like climate change, energy transition, and biodiversity. The department has cutting-edge research facilities, a collaborative culture, and a diverse team, including 68 permanent staff and over 100 PhD students and postdocs driving innovative research.

The project is conducted by a multidisciplinary consortium including ecological, oceanographic, marine construction, and nature conservation organizations, led by the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ). From TU Delft, you will frequently interact with the rest of the research team to make the project a success.

Job requirements

• A PhD degree in Hydraulic Engineering, Marine Engineering, Earth system Science or related discipline.
• Experience with physical (wave) modelling is required.
• Being available at short notice (order of months) is required.
• An excellent ability to think conceptually and quantitatively.
• An excellent ability to write and communicate in English.
• An intrinsic motivation to cooperate in a larger project.
• Prior knowledge of wave hydrodynamics.
• Good organization skills.

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.

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 1 year.
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution.
• Flexible work schedules can be arranged.
• For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

Additional information

• Due to the strict timeline of the ambitious project, timely availability is required.
• If qualified, but the candidate has the required experience (and an MSc), a non-postdoc position can be considered.
• For more information about this vacancy, please contact dr. Bas Hofland (b.hofland@tudelft.nl).