1. Vacancies
  2. Engineering Doctorate in Digital Dikes: A multiscale framework for risk assessment of Backward Erosion Piping

Engineering Doctorate in Digital Dikes: A multiscale framework for risk assessment of Backward Erosion Piping

Designing medium- and large-scale validation datasets for assessment of Backward Erosion Piping in a 3D heterogeneous environment.

Apply now
  • Hi! Are you my
    new colleague?
    Mark Vlutters
  • Hi! Are you my
    new colleague?
    Christopher Balfe
  • Hi! Are you my
    new colleague?
    Anouk Bomers
  • Hi! Are you my
    new colleague?
    Mina Shahi
  • Hi! Are you my
    new colleague?
    Tjerkje Dijkstra
  • Hi! Are you my
    new colleague?
    Floriana Anselmucci
  • Hi! Are you my
    new colleague?
    Peter Chemweno
  • Hi! Are you my
    new colleague?
    Suzanne Hulscher

Key takeaways

  • Hours
    32 - 38 hr.
  • Salary indication
    Salary gross/monthly
    based on full-time
    € 3,029
  • Deadline
    15 Mar 2026

The Netherlands relies heavily on its dikes. However, current models do not show exactly how dikes collapse when seepage flows erode sand underneath a dike (Backward Erosion Piping). The Digital Dikes project is changing that. The consortium aims to develop advanced digital models with varying degrees of detail, integrated into a flexible open-source tool, assimilating monitoring data to give probabilistic predictions. This framework can assess the probability (and severity) of pipe progression as a function of dike geometry, variability of subsurface properties and hydraulic loads. The novel technology will be tested through real-world case studies, co-designed with industry, government, and international users. This makes accurate risk assessment and targeted dike reinforcement possible.

Digital Dikes is a prestigious and ambitious project funded by NWO. Twente University is leading this projects with consortium partners University of Utrecht, Eindhoven University, University of Bologna and Deltares. The partners are supported by a large group of users, government (e.g. Water Authorities, Rijkswaterstaat, STOWA, Dutch Flood Protection Programme) and international organisations.

Your profile

For this unique project we are seeking a motivated and talented Engineering Doctorate. In your role you will:

1. Gather and process the needs for validation of numerical models;
2. Assist in executing and analysis of laboratory tests on heave screens in collaboration with Deltares and the Water Authority Aa & Maas;
3. (Co-)design a field scale test at the test site in Boretto (Italy) in cooperation with University of Bologna;
4. Assist in the execution of the field tests in Boretto and design a suitable framework for data analysis of the experimental results;
5. Collaborate with follow researchers in the Digital Dikes for validation of numerical models;
6. Ensure that the validation dataset is stored following the FAIR principle and accessible in a user-friendly manner

**++
Job requirements++**

We are looking for an enthusiastic and inquisitive researcher who enjoys working in an international and multidisciplinary environment. You have:

  • A Master’s degree in Civil  Engineering or in a related discipline;
  • Demonstrated experience in physical tests and data analysis.
  • Excellent programming skills (e.g. in Python);
  • A critical, creative and pro-active approach to research and design, with good problem-solving skills;
  • Proven experience with preparing communications for scientific and technical meetings with academic and industrial project partners;
  • Ability to work in a team and collaborate intensively with industrial and academic parties in regular meetings and work visits;
  • Strong hands-on and practical attitude;
  • Excellent command of English (oral and written);
  • Availability for occasional short-term international travel.

We welcome applications from candidates with diverse gender, backgrounds and perspectives.

Our offer

This position and the EngD track are for 2 years. Extended internships are planned at Deltares and at University of Bologna (IT). In addition to their individual scientific projects, all fellows will benefit from further continuing education, which includes secondments and short visits to partners in the Digital Dikes network, a wide range of training activities, workshops, dedicated sessions at international meetings, to foster scientific and transferable skills for the Jobs of Tomorrow.

Our offer includes:

  • A full-time, 2-year EngD position;
  • Gross monthly salary of €3,029;
  • Excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme;
  • 29 holidays per year in case of full-time employment;
  • A green campus with free access to sports facilities and an international scientific community;
  • A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid);
  • A full employee status at the University of Twente (UT), including pension, healthcare benefits, and favourable secondary conditions as outlined in the CAO-NU collective labour agreement for Dutch universities.

Information and application

The EngD project will be conducted under the supervision of Prof. V. Magnanimo at University of Twente, Dr. V. Van Beek at Deltares and Prof. L. Tonni and M. Marchi at University of Bologna.

For applications, please submit your documents using the ‘Apply now’ button below, including your CV, motivation letter, bachelor and master transcripts, contact details of at least two references who worked closely with you, theses or reports (if available).

Master students who will graduate in the next coming months are welcome to apply. In that case, please provide an overview of the transcripts that are already available.

The deadline for application is 15 March 2026.
The intended starting date is as soon as possible and no later than 1 September 2026.

Screening is part of the procedure.

Share this vacancy

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.

Want to know more

Magnanimo, V. (Vanessa)

Magnanimo, V. (Vanessa)
Professor

Magnanimo, V. (Vanessa)
Professor

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

How to apply

Step 1

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.

Apply now

Step 2

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

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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

Step 5

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

Your Colleagues

About The Faculty ET

Curious about what the Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) stands for? Check out the ET website for more information.

A job that matters

Create new opportunities for yourself, your colleagues and our society. Scientist or teacher, administrator or facilitator, thinker or doer, energetic leader or silent support – your work at the University of Twente matters. And you too!

  • Our mission
    Human Touch

    At the UT it’s all about people, in line with our university’s High Tech Human Touch philosophy. In everything we do, the well-being and future of our students and staff are paramount. From research and teaching to personnel management, campus management and the use of new technologies.

  • Our mission
    We are a university of technology

    Our university is a public institution that serves society. We are accountable to society for the ways in which we use our academic freedom. We are responsible for ensuring that the power of science and technology is harnessed to achieve the best possible impact in a changing world. We cherish our rich tradition of combining technical and social sciences in our five profiling themes: Improving healthcare by personalized technologies; Creating intelligent manufacturing systems; Shaping our world with smart materials; Engineering our digital society; and Engineering for a resilient world.

  • Our mission
    We help to strengthen society

    We help society meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. But we are also transparent about what science and technology can and cannot do in finding sustainable solutions. And help translate these solutions into everyday life.

  • Our mission
    We are sustainable

    We want our communities to flourish and show resilience, so we seize opportunities for innovation. We are knowledgeable and have an eye for what society needs. Our students and staff receive all the guidance they need in their quest for ecological, social and economic sustainability.
    “The University of Twente is all about people. Our sustainable technologies help to strengthen society.”

Browse all jobs