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

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.

Salary Benefits:

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 € 2770 per month in the first year to € 3539 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.

32 - 40 hours per week

Mekelweg 2