PhD position: The influence of sediment dynamics on tidal park scalablity in the lower Rhine-Meuse estuary

Tidal parks as NBS: Sediment use for restoration of intertidal areas in river scapes. Construction of tidal parks is becoming a popular measure in urbanized deltas of the world due to lack of space on land for nature restoration and previous construction of hard and abrupt land water interfaces (ref). Creating intertidal transitions between land and water along borders of rivers adds natural value by providing habitat for flora and fauna, can serve as recreation space and improves water quality. On the other side, construction of tidal parks limits the available space in the river and thereby influences hydrodynamics, which may result in negative impacts on river morphology and biodiversity (Wang et al…). Hence, the scalability of this concept might be limited, but has not been an extensive topic of research yet. This PhD builds on past research on creating new polders and on managed re-alignment to obtain insight in scalability of the tidal park concept in the Rhine-Meuse estuary. The work will be restructured along the following research lines:

1. Water and sediment distribution in the lower Rhine- Meuse estuary through analysis of data and numerical modelling
2. Potential for creation of tidal parks in the lower Rhine- Meuse estuary and consequences for hydrodynamics, morphology and biodiversity through spatial analysis, numerical modelling, and field measurements
3. Exploration of combinations of tidal park construction in combination with managed re-alignment and consequences for hydrodynamics, morphology and biodiversity through spatial analysis, numerical modelling, and field measurements
4. Exploration of future management scenarios for the Rhine-Meuse estuary, based on evaluation of historic data on water and sediment distribution in the larger Rhine-Meuse estuary, taking into account flood risk, navigation and biodiversity.

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 be part of 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 Phd position focussed on sediment flows and tidal parks in the Rhine-Muese estuary supervised by Bregje van Wesenbeeck and Kees Sloff.

Requirements:

• We are looking for a physical geographist, morphologist of engineer with good modelling skills and the willingsness to collaborate over disciplines.
• Candidates should have finalized their MSc, or be close to finalization and should be eager to pursue a career in science.
• 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 is a pre. 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