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 www.careers.tudelft.nl

For further information, see the attached [PDF].

A two-year postdoctoral research position is available at the UCD School of Civil Engineering, University College Dublin, on Advanced Rock Anchoring for Offshore Renewable Energy (ARORE).

The project will advance the testing, modelling and design of rock anchor systems for offshore renewable energy infrastructure, with a focus on fractured bedrock conditions relevant to Irish offshore sites. The role will involve laboratory testing, static and cyclic loading tests, numerical modelling, and design-oriented interpretation of single and group rock anchor behaviour.

The position may be appointed at PD1 or PD2 level, depending on experience. The PD2 level requires at least two years of postdoctoral research experience. The project is funded by SEAI and will be carried out with Prof. Shane Donohue at UCD and industry partner Subsea Micropiles.

Please see the attached PD1 and PD2 job descriptions for details. Applications should be submitted via UCD Jobs: https://www.ucd.ie/workatucd/jobs/

For further information, see the attached [PDF].

PhD position within the European REFFRACTEUR network focusing on the development of a virtual laboratory for predicting microcracking in refractory materials (PhD 07). The project aims to model thermomechanical behavior and damage in relation to the microstructure. The work combines advanced numerical simulation with experimental validation. The developments will be integrated into the DEM software GranOO and will contribute to digital twin approaches. The doctoral researcher will be based between IRCER (Limoges – France) and the industrial partner Imerys (Lyon – France). Due to the mobility rules of the European REFFRACTEUR program, candidates must not have resided in France for more than 12 months during the past 3 years.

REFFRACTEUR project website: https://www.reffracteur.eu

For further information, see the attached [PDF].

REACH-UPPA is an ambitious programme hiring 10 international and highly skilled postdoctoral researchers (PDRs).
UPPA, a mid-size university in the south-west of France, recognized with the French excellence university label I-Site (Initiatives-Science – Innovation –Territoires – Economie), has imagined REACH-UPPA keeping in mind the possibilities and significant impact that the recruitment of talented researchers will have in the hosting research units, the University and the territory whilst boosting their own career advancement towards excellence.
Durability and optimization of engineered structures is one of the targeted fields for recruitments, with a focus on the mechanics of geomaterials, geostructures and civil infrastructures.

For details, see https://www.univ-pau.fr/reach-uppa

For further information, see the attached [PDF].

Prof. Marco Broccardo and Dr. Davide Noè Gorini at the University of Trento are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to work on next-generation high-resolution seismic hazard maps.
The research will advance beyond conventional regional hazard products by integrating probabilistic seismic hazard analysis, microzonation-informed local geology, nonlinear site response and full integration of dynamic Soil-Structure Interaction (SSI) with complete treatment of uncertainties at all levels. A specific focus is on the regional scale analysis of SSI through a novel analytical and numerical framework simulating both frequency and nonlinear effects. The overall goal is to produce high-resolution hazard maps and practical tools that better represent the physical processes controlling ground motion and maximalizing the local information.

For further information, see the attached [PDF].

Free gas can significantly alter the hydro-mechanical properties of marine sediment, leading to increased compressibility, reduced shear strength, and disrupted permeability. However, its potential role as a hazard to the foundations and structures of offshore wind turbines is often overlooked in calculation standards and foundation design protocols. The degradation caused by the presence of free gas may occur during the installation phase as well as throughout the operational lifespan of a wind turbine.

The PhD will focus on:
-the effect of gas on the static and cyclic response of clayey and silty sediments,
-impact of gas in sediment on the installation and stability of pile and suction anchor foundations,
-develop practical design guidelines for offshore wind foundations accounting for gas effects.

ERAXESS Application
https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/427072
Application Deadline: 8 May 2026 – 23:59 (Europe/Paris)

For further information, see the attached [PDF].