If you are looking to work at the intersection of climate science, engineering, and digital innovation, two outstanding academic opportunities are now open at Delft University of Technology. These roles—one PhD and one Postdoctoral position—are part of major European research initiatives addressing real-world coastal climate challenges.

Both positions are embedded within large, interdisciplinary consortia and offer a rare chance to contribute to transformative solutions for coastal resilience across Europe. Relocation Support TU Delft offers comprehensive relocation assistance through its “Coming to Delft Service,” including: Housing and visa guidance Social integration events Dual career support for partners

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Why Coastal Climate Adaptation Matters

Coastal regions face increasing threats from sea-level rise, extreme weather, and ecological degradation. European research projects like CORRAL and HARCCA are designed to address these challenges by combining science, policy, and technology.

At TU Delft, a global leader in water engineering and climate research, these projects translate into practical, scalable solutions grounded in both data and natural processes.

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PhD Position: Coastal Dune Innovation & Climate Resilience

Project: Nature-Based Coastal Protection in Scheveningen

The PhD role is part of the CORRAL project, a consortium of 28 partners across 9 countries. In collaboration with The Hague municipality, researchers will develop a pioneering “Growing Dune Landscape” in Scheveningen.

Inspired by the Zandmotor, this initiative uses natural processes—such as wind-driven sediment deposition and vegetation growth—to strengthen coastal defense systems.

Your Research Focus

• Investigate how coastal dunes evolve in urban environments
• Conduct fieldwork using GPS surveys, drones, and remote sensing
• Model dune and vegetation dynamics using the AeoLiS model
• Translate findings into actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders

This research bridges physical geography, engineering, and environmental science, offering both theoretical depth and real-world impact.

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PhD Requirements

• MSc in Hydraulic Engineering, Civil Engineering, Physical Geography, or related field
• Strong interest in coastal processes and environmental modelling
• Programming skills (Python, SQL, Java, or similar)
• Ability to work in international, interdisciplinary teams
• Proficiency in English

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PhD Salary & Benefits

• €3059 to €3881 gross/month (progressive over 4 years)
• 8% holiday allowance + 8.3% year-end bonus
• Structured PhD training via the TU Delft Graduate School
• Relocation support and career development programs

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Postdoctoral Position: AI for Coastal Climate Adaptation

Project: HARCCA & DIGI-ADAPT Platform

The Postdoc position is part of the HARCCA project, involving 22 partners across Europe. The focus is on building the DIGI-ADAPT platform—an advanced AI-powered geoportal for climate risk assessment.

Your Role

• Lead development of the DIGI-ADAPT AI platform
• Integrate multi-hazard climate and socio-economic data
• Collaborate with engineers, policymakers, and digital experts
• Deliver stakeholder workshops and real-world demonstrations

This role sits at the cutting edge of AI, geospatial analytics, and climate science.

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Postdoc Requirements

• PhD in Computer Science, Hydro-informatics, Civil Engineering, or similar
• Experience in software development and data systems
• Strong programming skills (Python, PyTorch, SQL, etc.)
• Proven research and publication track record
• Excellent communication skills

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Postdoc Salary & Benefits

• €3546 to €5538 gross/month
• 4-year contract (externally funded)
• Flexible work arrangements
• 232 annual leave hours
• Pension scheme and health benefits
• Access to training, courses, and academic networks

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Academic Environment at TU Delft

The Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences at TU Delft is internationally recognized for its research in water systems, climate adaptation, and sustainable infrastructure.

With 28 research groups across multiple disciplines, the faculty actively contributes to global challenges including climate change, energy transition, and urban resilience. TU Delft fosters an inclusive and collaborative environment where innovation thrives through diversity and interdisciplinary exchange.

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Application Details

• Deadline: June 1, 2026
• Start Date: October 1, 2026

Required Documents

PhD Applicants:

• CV (max 4 pages)
• Motivation letter (max 1 page)
• APPLY NOW

Postdoc Applicants:

• CV (max 4 pages)
• Motivation letter
• Up to 5 relevant publications
• Project portfolio summary
• APPLY NOW

Contact persons:

• For more information about this vacancy, please contact Sierd de Vries (sierd.devries@tudelft.nl) and Maria Pregnolato (m.pregnolato@tudelft.nl) After the first selection, online interviews will be held in early July. The candidate is expected to start on 1 October 2026.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are these positions fully funded?

Yes. Both the PhD and Postdoc roles come with full salaries and benefits under Dutch university employment agreements.

2. Do I need prior experience in coastal engineering?

For the PhD, a strong interest is sufficient. For the Postdoc, demonstrated expertise is expected.

3. Is knowledge of Dutch required?

No. English is the working language in research and communication.

4. Can international applicants apply?

Absolutely. TU Delft actively encourages global applications and supports relocation.

5. What makes these roles unique?

These positions combine real-world impact, interdisciplinary collaboration, and cutting-edge tools like AI and environmental modelling.

6. What is the difference between CORRAL and HARCCA?

CORRAL focuses on nature-based coastal solutions, while HARCCA emphasizes digital and AI-driven climate adaptation tools.