Two PhD Positions: PhD Position1 in Physical Modelling of Backward Erosion Piping and PhD Position2: Finite Element Modelling of Backward Erosion Piping

Delft University of Technology is seeking candidates for 2 new PhD positions within the national research program Digital Dikes. One PhD position focuses on the Physical Modelling of Backward Erosion Piping (BEP), aiming to advance experimental approaches through novel laboratory setups and measurement techniques, with particular attention to three‑dimensional piping mechanisms. This project is jointly carried out at TU Delft and Deltares (application deadline: 14 June 2026). The second PhD position uses the Random Finite Element Method (RFEM) to investigate the role of soil spatial variability on the initiation and progression of backward erosion piping under dikes (application deadline: 22 June 2026). For further information, please contact Dr. M. Cabrera or Prof. M. Hicks (TU Delft) and follow the application process at http://www.careers.tudelft.nl