PhD opening in Understanding the impact of nature-based solutions in small rivers

Alongside two other PhD students at the University of Twente, you will be participating with many other researchers and practitioners in the national growth fund program: NL2120, elevating nature-based solutions. Recently funded by the Dutch government, NL2120 aims to develop the knowledge that is essential for supporting the large-scale realization of nature-based solutions.

This PhD project aims to explore the impact of nature-based solutions on small river systems in the Netherlands. Nature-based solutions promote the utilization of natural processes to create a resilient water infrastructure that simultaneously satisfies societal and ecosystem needs. Such nature-based solutions include creating space for water retention and periodic flooding, re-meandering of straightened river sections, removing bank protection, increasing flow resistance by promoting vegetation growth, and installing natural structures such as dead wood, which increases the flow variability and provides habitats for a wide range of species. Although these measures are expected to help prevent floods and/or droughts and to promote ecosystem services, they are being implemented on “ad-hoc” designs without knowing the long-term and larger-scale developments and their contribution to the desired impacts.

The River Dinkel and possibly other small rivers in the vicinity of the UT will be used as case studies to investigate how recent nature-based interventions have affected the hydro- and morphodynamics of these small rivers. The research will be carried out by a combination of small- and large- scale hydrodynamic and morphodynamic modeling to evaluate the current situation and to investigate the future development of the system. Developing these models (either from scratch or by adapting existing models) will be part of the project. Available field data (e.g., river bathymetries and cross-sections, discharges, etc) will be complemented by flow velocity measurements with acoustic instrumentation (ADCPs and ADVs) to support the model studies. The goal of this research is to assess the impact of different nature-based designs and to develop tools to generalize the knowledge from the case studies.

• MSc in Civil/Hydraulic Engineering, Geosciences, Physical Geography, Applied Mathematics, Physics or related discipline.

• Experience with data analysis and sound programming skills (e.g., Python, Matlab).

• Experience with hydraulic numerical modeling (e.g., Delft3D, OpenFOAM).

• Experience with data collection in the lab/field.

• Good organizational skills, enthusiastic, independent and a problem-solving attitude.

• Willing to contribute to the Civil Engineering teaching program and to supervise MSc and BSc thesis projects.

• You are fluent in English, both spoken and written (IELTS = 6.5 or equivalent).

• Even though the research will be carried out fully in English, Dutch speaking skills are an advantage for practical reasons such as the communication with local authorities to issue permits for the field experiments and the communication with local residents at the field experiment sites.

• You have a car driving license.

Candidates who do not possess all these skills but are willing to develop them along the PhD trajectory, are also encouraged to apply. Some of the desired skills can be acquired during an individual training program of 840 hours that is part of the PhD project.

Your first responsibility is to carry out the research, but you will also acquire teaching experience (about 10% of your time). We support you to broaden your knowledge and skills by taking courses and international summer schools, by participating in national and international conferences and workshops, and by writing your findings in journal papers and a PhD thesis. Being part of the NL2120 project implies that you will have regular interaction with practitioners and fellow researchers in the project.

• Challenging work in an inspiring multidisciplinary environment with enthusiastic colleagues.

• A four-year fulltime PhD position, with a qualifier exam after 6-9 months.

• Full status as an employee at the UT, including pension and health care benefits.

• Tailor-made educational/development program of at least 6 months (30 EC), including visits to conferences.

• A starting salary of € 2901,- gross per month in the first year increasing to € 3707,- gross per month in the fourth year.

• An annual holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, and an annual year-end bonus of 8.3%.

• Minimum of 41 holidays per year in case of fulltime employment.

• You have to be willing to move to (the vicinity of) Enschede. A relocation allowance or temporary housing allowance may be part of the offer.

• The University of Twente is situated on a green and lively campus with lots of facilities for sports and other activities.

• We provide excellent mentorship and a stimulating research environment to accelerate your further professional and personal growth.

Please upload your application until 16 February 2025 23:59 via the ‘Apply now' button. Your application should include:

• a cover letter (emphasizing your specific interest, motivation and qualifications)

• a detailed CV

• an academic transcript of BSc and MSc education with grades obtained

• a publication list (if applicable)

• result of an English test (if you attended a non-English taught MSc program)

• contact details of 2 referees

Since only three documents can be uploaded per application, please combine documents if needed.

An interview will be part of the selection procedure. The first selection interviews are planned on 27 and 28 February 2025. The project will start as soon as possible after a suitable candidate is found.

For more information about the position, you may contact Dr.ir. Vasileios Kitsikoudis ([email protected], +31 53 489 9910) or Dr.ir. Denie Augustijn ([email protected], +31 53 489 4510).

The Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) engages in education and research of Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering. We enable society and industry to innovate and create value using efficient, solid and sustainable technology. We are part of a ‘people-first' university of technology, taking our place as an internationally leading center for smart production, processes and devices in five domains: Health Technology, Maintenance, Smart Regions, Smart Industry and Sustainable Resources. Our faculty is home to about 2,900 Bachelor's and Master's students, 550 employees and 150 PhD candidates. Our educational and research programmes are closely connected with UT research institutes Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Center and Digital Society Institute.

Assistant Professor

Assistant Professor

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Vasileios for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.

Phone:+31534899910

Email:[email protected]

Apply. When you see a vacancy that appeals to you, you can apply online. We ask you to upload a CV and motivation letter and/or list of publications. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail.

Selection. The selection committee will review your application and you will receive a response within 2 weeks after the vacancy has been closed.

1st interview. The 1st (online or in person) meeting serves as an introduction where we introduce ourselves to you and you to us. You may be asked to give a short presentation. This will be further explained in the invitation.

2nd interview. In the second interview, we will further discuss the job content, your skills and your talents.

The offer. If the conversations are positive, you will be made a suitable offer. If applicable, we will sign you up for screening.

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