Postdoc – Mapping and modelling the dynamics of coastal and fluvial ecosystems

Job description

The research in our group is centered around field observations and numerical modelling to enhance our understanding of the interactions between vegetation, morphology and hydrodynamics. Our research areas comprise lowland rivers, tidal wetlands (mangroves and salt marshes) and coastal dunes. We collect field data to enhance our fundamental understanding of the dynamics and interactions of these ecosystems. We use this knowledge to improve process-based numerical models for investigating the resilience of these ecosystems and ways to enhance their resilience, now and in the future.

This Postdoc position allows you to further develop (in) one of the following research areas:

• Drone-based mapping of hydrodynamics in small rivers
• Drone-based observation of saltmarsh/tidal flat hydro- and/or morphodynamics
• Numerical modelling of tidal flows through mangrove forests
• Propose a topic related to the above, or to aeolian coastal morphodynamics

We welcome your skills and research ideas in any of these areas (or on related topics). In your cover letter, please specify your area(s) of interest and formulate an intended research scope based on your skills and experience.

In this position, you are also expected to become part of our team that is contributing to the set-up of the national delta observation infrastructure in the Delta Enigma project. Besides research activities, we expect active involvement in teaching activities in our Master’s program (e.g. supervising MSc students). You are also encouraged to develop proposals to acquire research funding. We provide opportunities to accelerate your professional and personal growth. We also support you to expand your knowledge and network by participating in (inter)national conferences and workshops and by visiting partnering companies, research institutes and universities.

Your profile

• PhD in Civil Engineering, Environmental Fluid Dynamics, Geosciences, Environmental Science, Applied Mathematics or related discipline.
• Work and/or study experience in an interdisciplinary and international team/setting.
• You have experience with experimental hydraulics and/or fluid mechanics, preferably in the field, and/or you have experience with hydraulic modelling (Delft3D, SOBEK, or similar).
• Your organizational skills are good. You are enthusiastic, independent and looking for a challenge.
• You are willing to contribute to the Civil Engineering teaching program and to supervise graduate students.
• Good communication skills in English and able to collaborate and communicate with academic and non-academic counterparts.

Our offer

You will be based in the Group of Marine and Fluvial Systems at the University of Twente. Our offer includes:

• A fully funded, challenging 17-months Postdoc position. Related Postdoc vacancies in our group will open in the course of 2024, open for you to apply for to extend your Postdoc with our group.
• A stimulating, modern research environment with state-of-the-art equipment and modelling expertise.
• Collaborations with a dedicated, dynamic research team and with external parties.
• The salary depends on experience and is at least € 3877,- gross per month and at most  € 5090,- gross per month.
• An annual holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, and an annual year-end bonus of 8.3%.
• A solid pension scheme.
• Minimum of 29 leave days in case of full-time employment.
• The University of Twente is situated on a green and lively campus with lots of facilities for sports and other activities.

Information and application

For more information you can contact dr. Erik Horstman (e.m.horstman@utwente.nl, +31 53 489 1539) or dr. Vasileios Kitsikoudis (v.kitsikoudis@utwente.nl, +31 53 489 9910).

The project will start as soon as possible after a suitable candidate is found.

Please upload your application via the ‘Apply now’ button before 11 October 2023. Your application should include a cover letter (indicating your specific interest, motivation and qualifications), a detailed CV including a publication list and contact details of two referees. Please combine documents if not all documents can be uploaded individually.

The first round of selection interviews is scheduled for 19-24 October 2023 and interviews can be held through Microsoft Teams if you are not based in the Netherlands. A second round of in-person interviews may be scheduled if necessary.

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.