PhD opening in Modelling the behaviour of river bed dynamics to support Nature-based solutions.
Are you interested in setting up innovative model solutions to better understand river bed dynamics after flood events and prolonged periods of low water levels? At the Water Engineering & Management department we are looking for a PhD researcher to strengthen our team. We are an active and dynamic group of researchers pioneering in the modelling and engineering of marine and fluvial systems.
Alongside two other PhD students at the university of Twente, you will be one of the 18 researchers 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 will focus on designing river engineering measures inspired by natural river processes to mitigate spatial-temporal changes in the river bed, reducing intervention needs while fostering resilient river ecosystems. Currently, maintenance activities such as dredging of river dunes or infilling of scour holes are necessary to maintain navigability during low flows and mitigate excessive river bed erosion during high flows. However, these maintenance activities can disrupt the aquatic habitats and undermine the river’s natural dynamics. By working with the natural evolution of river bedforms (e.g., river dunes, scour holes) and their interactions, this project will explore sustainable, NbS-driven alternatives that minimize the negative ecological impacts of conventional maintenance practices.
Building upon the work of earlier researchers at the University of Twente (e.g. Lokin et al. 2024 / Van der Sande 2024 Ch.4, we aim to develop a numerical model that is able to simulate the natural evolution of these river bedforms. This model will be used to assess the impact of climate-induced high and low flow extremes and evaluate NbS interventions such as multi-channel systems, longitudinal dams and side channels. By designing interventions inspired by nature, we aim to create multifunctional solutions that not only ensure navigability but also restore habitats and increase overall river system resilience. In this project we foresee roughly the following steps:
1) Develop and validate a numerical model building upon the work of Lokin et al. (2024) and Van der Sande (2024) to predict the evolution of scour holes and bedforms under both high and low flow conditions.
2) Assess the impact of increasing high and low flow extremes on the evolution of scour holes and river bed forms focusing on how NbS can mitigate adverse effects.
3) Co-design NbS countermeasures (e.g. side channels, sediment nourishment, river widening) that align with ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) principles while maintaining navigability and flood resilience.
4) Quantify the effectiveness and uncertainties of NbS-driven measures compared to traditional engineering approaches, addressing key barriers to implementation.
Being part of the NL2120 project implies close interaction with your direct supervisors at UT and your fellow researchers. To warrant the link to practice, we will have recurring meetings with professionals from the Netherlands, as well as a group of international experts. Furthermore, you will present your work at national and international conferences and write your findings in journal papers and a PhD thesis.
Information and application
For more information about the position, you are encouraged to contact Dr. Jord Warmink (j.j.warmink@utwente.nl, +31 53 489 2831) or Prof. dr. Suzanne Hulscher (s.j.m.h.hulscher@utwente.nl). The project will start as soon as possible after a suitable candidate is found.
Please upload your application via the ‘Apply now’ button before February 14th 2025.
Your application should include:
* a cover letter (emphasizing your specific interest, motivation and qualifications),
* a detailed CV,
* an academic transcript of B.Sc. and M.Sc. education,
* the result of an English test (if you had a non-english taught MSc),
* a publication list (if applicable),
* contact details of two referees.
Since only three documents can be uploaded per application, please combine documents if needed. An interview and a scientific presentation will be part of the selection procedure.
The first selection interviews are scheduled for 27 and 28 February 2025, preferably in person at the campus of the University of Twente.
About the organisation
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.
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