The “Sediment for salt marshes: physical and ecological aspects of a mud motor” project, part of the STW Water 2014 programme, is a collaboration between NIOZ, IMARES, WUR, Deltares and TU Delft. This research builds on the Building with Nature project “the mud motor”. The aim is to use dredged fine sediments as building material for saltmarsh development and improvement/strengthening of dyke foundations. Three large-scale pilot nourishments will be carried out around the harbour of Harlingen in the western Wadden Sea.
The desired results are: 1) less recirculation towards the harbour, hence less maintenance dredging, 2) promotion of the growth and stability of salt marshes, improving the Wadden Sea ecosystem, and 3) stabilising the foreshore of the dykes, reducing dyke maintenance requirements.
The current PhD sub-project focuses on the question of whether or not the dumped sediments will indeed end up on the envisaged location, will be stable, and whether the recirculation to the harbour will be reduced.
A major part of the research is experimental, measuring turbulent stresses in situ and in the laboratory under a variety of current-wave conditions. These stresses have to be interpreted in relation to the sediment properties, which are to be established with recently developed methods at the university and Deltares. Numerical modelling is anticipated for scaling up the small-scale experiments to the relevant spatial domain.
Description
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a Master's degree in the field of Hydraulic Engineering, Geosciences or a related field. A background in the dynamics of tides, waves and morphology is preferred. The candidate should: (1) have a keen interest in doing fundamental research, which can be translated into applicable knowledge; (2) have a keen interest, and preferable experience in experimental research; (3) be capable of planning and organising his own fieldwork in the Wadden Sea; (4) be able to analyse large datasets with packages like Matlab; (5) have solid analytical skills for analysing, interpreting, and up-scaling the results. Communication skills and an open collaborative attitude are also essential in this multidisciplinary project. Good English speaking and writing skills are required.
Nr of positions available : 1
Research Fields
Technology
Career Stage
Early stage researcher or 0-4 yrs (Post graduate)
Experienced researcher or 4-10 yrs (Post-Doc)
More Experienced researcher or >10 yrs (Senior)
Research Profiles
Not defined
Benefits
0 - 2717
Benefits
The TU Delft offers an attractive benefits package, including a flexible work week and the option of assembling a customised compensation and benefits package (the 'IKA'). Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit www.phd.tudelft.nl for more information.
For more information about this position, please contact either prof. dr. ir. J.C. Winterwerp (J.C.Winterwerp@tudelft.nl) or dr.ir. B.C. van Prooijen (B.C.vanProoijen@TUDelft.nl ). To apply, please e-mail (1) a detailed CV, (2) list of marks received in your Master studies, (3) contact details of two references and (4) a letter of application by 30th of March 2015 to Recruitment-CiTG@tudelft.nl . When applying for this position, please refer to vacancy number CITG15-03.
Requirements
| Technology |
| ENGLISH |
| Good |
| Technology |
| University Graduate |
| 1 |