PhD opening in Modelling the behaviour of river bed dynamics to support Nature-based solutions.

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.

Requirements:

• MSc in Civil Engineering, Physical Geography, Applied Mathematics or a related discipline.
• You have sound numerical/programming skills (e.g Python, Matlab, other).
• Experience with hydraulic modelling software (e.g. Delft3D) is an advantage.
• Interest in eco-hydraulics, sediment transport or NbS for river management.
• Your organizational skills are good. You are enthusiastic, independent and have a problem solving attitude.
• You are willing to contribute to the Civil Engineering teaching program and to supervise graduate students.
• Your writing skills are good – you have written technical and/or scientific reports.
• You are fluent in English, both spoken and written (IELTS >= 6.5 or equivalent).

Salary Benefits:

We offer you a very challenging position in an inspiring multidisciplinary environment with enthusiastic colleagues.

• We offer 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.
• We provide a stimulating, modern research environment with world-class research facilities.
• Tailor-made educational/development program of at least 6 months (30EC), including visits to conferences.
• We provide excellent mentorship and a stimulating research environment to accelerate your further professional and personal growth.
• A starting salary of € 2901,- gross per month in the first year and 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%.
• The University of Twente is situated on a green and lively campus with lots of facilities for sports and other activities.
• 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.

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 by joining international exchange programs, by participating in national and international conferences and workshops and by visiting industrial companies, research institutes, and universities worldwide.

38 hours per week

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