PhD Position: Evaluation of managed re-alignment strategies as nature-based solution

The NL2120 program is a large program on the upscaling of nature based solutions. This PhD position explores succesful methods for managed re-alignment and salt-marsh restoration along coastlines.

Job description

Tipping points of coastal ecosystems and defining decision space for management of intertidal areas: Coastal ecosystems, such as salt marshes, are vulnerable for anthropogenic influences and climate change. This is resulting in global loss of intertidal systems, such as mudflats, salt marshes and mangroves. However, we urgently need these systems to trap sediment and carbon and to reduce coastal erosion. The ability of coastal ecosystems to grow with sea level rise is strongly dependent on sediment availability and rate of sea level rise. For our sandy coast we have good interaction between measurement networks, research and policy. For silty parts, such as the Wadden Sea, the southwestern delta and for estuaries, such as the Meuse-Rhine estuary and the Ems-Dollard, we have less knowledge about suitable management strategies. Current project focusing on creation of intertidal habitat have not always been monitored and analyzed in a systematic manner. This PhD research will focus on evaluation of past and current projects for managed re-alignment in the Wadden Sea and Southwestern Delta. An evaluation of managed re-alignment projects is done with respect to effectiveness in trapping sediment, storing carbon and enhancing biodiversity. The research will focus on the following research topics:

1. Investigate how different managed re-alignment projects influence:
   1. Sediment trapping
   2. Carbon capture
   3. Biodiversity
2. Map trade-offs between sedimentation, carbon capture and biodiversity
3. Make a future outlook of how these trade-offs are expected to change under climate change

You will work in a motivated and multidisciplinary team of researchers working on the most innovative issues with respect to nature-based solutions. You will have access to the NL2120 consortium, a network consisting of 27 partners, including government, NGO;s, knowledge institutes and engineering companies. In total, the program will recruit 12 PhD's at different universtities. You will have a direct link to several implementation projects in the Dutch Delta.

We offer a position on salt marsh restoration though managed re-alignment and functionality of restoration efforts with respect to sedimentation, biodiversity and carbon capture. This position is supervised by Bregje van Wesenbeeck (TUD), Jim van Belzen (NIOZ) and Kelly Elschot (WENR).

Requirements

• We are looking for an ecologist or physical geographer with good statistical skills and basic field work experience.
• Candidates should have finalized (or are finalizing) their MSc, would like to pursue a career in science and enjoy working in multidisciplinary team.
• We welcome innovative and out of the box researchers that are able to work with a combination of different methods, such as using earth observation data, modelling, experimental research and field work.
• People who do not shy away of field work in muddy areas are encouraged to apply.
• Good communicative and writing skills are relevant.
• Ability to understand and express yourself in Dutch and in possession of a drivers license are advantages. Willingness to work in a multicultural team is a prerequisite.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Civil Engineering & Geosciences

The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Our research feeds into our educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource availability, urbanisation and clean water. Our research projects are conducted in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced of the importance of open science and supports its scientists in integrating open science in their research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in the following seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences.

Conditions of employment 

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2.872 per month in the first year to € 3670 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

Additional information 

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Bregje van Wesenbeeck (B.K.vanWesenbeeck@tudelft.nl).

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 29 October 2024 via the application button and upload your motivation and CV (including contact information for at least two academic references).

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-Employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

Also send:

• transcripts from your bachelor’s and master’s degree.