This PhD position is part of the NWO-funded SOURCE program, focusing on Sand nOURishment strategies for sustainable coastal ecosystems. The SOURCE initiative aims to develop scientific knowledge, models, and design tools for effective sand nourishment strategies, ensuring resilient and multifunctional coastal landscapes for the future. The program features Living Labs along the Dutch coast, where sand nourishments are co-designed, monitored, and evaluated by a consortium of academic institutes, government organizations, research institutes, nature organizations, and industry partners.

Your research will unravel the controlling processes of cross-shore sand transport at various scales, including bottom boundary layer dynamics, vertical turbulence, sand mixing, and wave breaking effects. You will develop a detailed intra-wave research model (e.g., using OpenFoam) to describe these processes, validate it with laboratory and field data, and use the results to inform the development of a practical numerical model (e.g., Delft3D) for predicting nourishment lifetime, spreading, and impacts on coastal state indicators. This work is closely integrated with another SOURCE PhD project and involves collaboration with knowledge institute Deltares and other consortium partners.

As a member of the SOURCE team, you will engage in regular consortium meetings, knowledge exchange, and collaborative research activities. You will present your findings at national and international conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals and your PhD thesis. The Faculty of Engineering Technology at the University of Twente provides a vibrant research environment, with strong connections to UT research institutes such as Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Center, and Digital Society Institute.

Funding for this position is provided by NWO, covering a full PhD studentship including stipend and research costs. The project is scheduled to start on May 1st, 2026, and applications are welcome from students who expect to complete their MSc thesis by this date. The selection process includes interviews and a scientific presentation, with the first round of interviews planned for January 29th, 2026, preferably in person at the University of Twente campus.

Applicants should submit a cover letter (max 2 pages), CV, academic transcripts, English test results (if applicable), publication list, and contact details of two referees via the University of Twente careers portal. Only three documents can be uploaded per application, so combine files as needed. For further information, contact Dr. ir. Geert Campmans, Dr. ir. Jebbe van der Werf, or Prof. dr. Kathelijne Wijnberg.