Postdoc Fire Safety Structures

Do you want to contribute to the safety of existing infrastructure? Are you looking for challenges in numerical modeling of reinforced concrete structures?

Job description

To operate our infrastructure in an optimal way, it is important to better understand the behavior of existing reinforced concrete land tunnels exposed to fire. There is an increasing need to make well‑thought decisions that have a strong scientific basis and that serve as input for a cost‑benefit analysis to society.

In this project, we aim to evaluate the behavior of land tunnels under different fire scenarios. For this purpose, you will:

• Investigate the effect of relevant modeling choices in specialized nonlinear finite element packages such as SAFIR and DIANA by making targeted model‑to‑model and, where possible, model‑to‑experiment comparisons for the purpose of validation of models developed by third parties for the assessment of existing land tunnels.
• Develop routines to work with SAFIR and DIANA using Python or Matlab coding.
• Carry out targeted literature searches to answer open questions that arise when developing the models.
• Study the occurring failure modes and the risks of brittle failures for tunnels under fire.
• Analyze the risks and consequences related to damage caused to tunnels under fire loading.
• Combine your insights into guidelines for the modeling of tunnel structures subjected to fires when assessing using nonlinear finite element models.
• Take the initiative to present results in scientific journal articles.

This is a 1 year Postdoc position established in an international project and financially supported by Rijkswaterstaat. The work is carried out in the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Concrete Structures Group, working on a wide range of challenges related to existing concrete infrastructure, monitoring, and upscaling of new concrete materials. The postdoc will benefit from the extensive national and international research network of the research group and will be supervised by Prof. Dr. Ir Max Hendriks and Associate Professor Dr. Ir. Eva Lantsoght.

The research activities of our group of Concrete Structures focus on three research lines:

• Assessment and preservation of our existing concrete structures.
• Upscaling New Concrete Types to Structures.
• Resilience of infrastructure network under climate change and other hazards.
• In these research lines, our methodologies can be categorized by.
• Physics‑based and data driven modelling for concrete structures.
• (Non)‑Destructive testing of concrete structures.
• Monitoring and reliability updating of concrete structures.

The Department of Engineering Structures focuses on the development of resilient, smart and sustainable structures and infrastructures. Our aim is to meet societal demands in transportation, the energy transition and sustainable reuse. Research themes include dynamics of structures, mechanics of materials related to e.g. Climate change, modelling and design of railway systems, multi‑scale modelling of pavement materials and structures, reuse of materials, structures and parts of structures, assessment methods for structures, smart monitoring techniques, design methods, replacement and renovation of civil infrastructure and development of new materials and maintenance techniques. Our unique Macro Mechanics Laboratory facilities support full‑scale testing, monitoring and modelling of structures to facilitate implementation of innovations. The department delivers both groundbreaking research and world‑class education for undergraduate and graduate students. As a team, we represent different backgrounds, skills and views. We foster an inclusive culture, as our combined identities, attitudes and ambitions widen our perspective and make up our strengths.

Job requirements

• A PhD degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering or Geotechnical Engineering, or Materials Science and Engineering.
• Strong numerical modelling skills, i.e. Diana, Atena, SAFIR, VecTor 2/3, Abaqus or similar.
• Ability to interact and carry out research in close collaboration with partners involved in the project, as well as ability to work independently on research tasks, showing leadership and responsibility.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 1 year. Temporary.
• A job of 36-40 hours per week.
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• 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.

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

For information about the vacancy, please contact Dr.ir. Eva Lantsoght, Associate Professor, e-mail: e.o.l.lantsoght@tudelft.nl

For information about the application procedure, please contact our secretariat Secr-ES-CiTG@tudelft.nl

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 1 February 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

1. Curriculum Vitae.
2. Cover/motivation letter explaining your interest and your qualifications for this position, a proposal on how you would approach the described problem and how your skills match the requirements.
3. 300 words abstract of your MSc and PhD thesis.
4. Two selected publications.
5. Proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge).
6. Contact details of two persons who can provide references.

If your MSc and PhD diploma and transcript are not in Dutch, English, French or German and you will be the selected candidate, the TU Delft will ask you to deliver a certified translation in case you will be appointed.

You can address your application to Eva Lantsoght.

Additional notes

1. You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.

2. 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. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.

3. Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

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