Postdoc in Nature-Based Designs for Climate-Resilient River Systems

Job description

Climate extremes continue to intensify across Europe, creating complex environmental management challenges for river systems. Traditional infrastructure designed for single hazard mitigation purposes struggles to address the dual threat of increasingly frequent droughts and floods, highlighting the urgent need for adaptive Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs). While programmes like Room for the River have successfully demonstrated flood mitigation benefits, the complex effects of climate change necessitate innovative approaches that can simultaneously address both flood and drought hazards.

This project aims to develop and optimise measures that maximise interseasonal water retention during droughts while allowing for flood risk mitigation during high-flow periods (e.g. Hierarchical networks of floodplain channels and lakes). By combining field monitoring and numerical modelling approaches, we will assess how reactivated paleochannels, constructed floodplain systems, or other solutions can create adaptive infrastructure that capitalises on natural riverine dynamics. This knowledge will be used to determine scalable design principles for climate-resilient river management across Europe.

The postdoctoral project comprises the following activities:

• Hydrological Monitoring and Modelling: Establish a comprehensive field monitoring network at two floodplain sites in the Gelderse Poort region, conduct seasonal surveys, develop hydrological models to simulate the system's hydrological and geomorphic behavior, and engage with stakeholders to identify opportunities for system improvement.
• Floodplain System Optimisation and Redesign: Evaluate the effectiveness of the current floodplain design for low-flow season water retention and high-flow season flood wave attenuation. Design and test measures, such as improved floodplain channel-lake networks configuration, to enhance regional drought and flood resilience.
• European NBS Framework Development: Determine key design principles for optimised floodplain systems and develop a scalable framework for implementing similar NBSs across Europe's wide range of hydroclimates and river systems.

This postdoctoral position is part of the EU Horizon WATERGRID project, which seeks to develop NBSs for improved drought mitigation across European hydroclimates. The research will be conducted in collaboration with stakeholders including Rijkswaterstaat (Room for the River 2.0, Gelderse Poort, and PAGW programmes), water boards, nature organisations, and WATERGRID's pan-European partners. The project combines field monitoring with numerical modelling approaches, with opportunities for engagement with ongoing initiatives such as the ResiRiver Interreg programme and various engineering consultancies.

Job requirements

• PhD degree in civil, hydraulic, or environmental engineering, geosciences, or related fields of expertise.
• Knowledge in hydraulic engineering, geosciences, and/or water management.
• Highly motivated to contribute to the field of Nature-Based Solutions.
• Research experience in modelling or field work is a plus.
• Independent, self-motivated, curiosity-driven and open to communicate and collaborate with peers, as well as international partners and stakeholders.
• Excellent knowledge of English, both verbally and in writing. Knowledge of Dutch is a plus.

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.

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Application procedure

• Your CV
• A motivation letter
• Please include two samples of your academic writing, such as your PhD thesis or a report, or journal publications you have authored

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.