Post-Doc position: Knowledge for Decision Making on Coastal Sand Nourishments University of Twente in Netherlands

This postdoctoral research position is part of the NWO-funded SOURCE program (Sand nOURishment strategies for Sustainable Coastal Ecosystems), which aims to develop scientific knowledge, models, and design tools for sustainable sand nourishment strategies along the Dutch coast. The SOURCE program is a collaborative effort involving 12 PhD, postdoc, and other researchers from 8 academic institutes, working closely with 25 partners from government, research, nature organizations, and industry. The project’s philosophy is that well-planned sand nourishments today will help create resilient, dynamic, and multifunctional coastal landscapes for the future. The Living Labs for this research are two sand nourishment sites on the Dutch coast.

The postdoc will synthesize research results and bridge the gap between science and coastal management, focusing on the Dutch policy of maintaining the coastline with sand nourishments. The research will address improvements to current strategies (planning, design, stakeholder involvement) and explore adaptations in response to accelerated sea level rise and increased spatial pressures.

The work will integrate knowledge of the natural system (geology, morphology, ecology) and investigate how future coastal management can benefit from co-creation with diverse stakeholders. Research questions will be tailored to the candidate’s background and developed collaboratively. The position is based at Deltares (Delft) and the University of Twente, with close collaboration with supervisors from both institutions and the wider SOURCE consortium, including the Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management (Rijkswaterstaat). The postdoc will participate in regular consortium meetings, present at national and international conferences, and publish in scientific journals.

The University of Twente offers a two-year fulltime contract (with the possibility of part-time arrangement), a competitive salary, full employee benefits, and a stimulating multidisciplinary environment. The position encourages professional growth, management skill development, and teaching experience. Applicants should have a PhD in Coastal Engineering or a related field, experience in coastal management and governance, strong organizational and communication skills, a record of first-author publications, and fluency in English (C1) and Dutch (B2).

The application deadline is November 25, 2025, with interviews in December and a project start date of February 1, 2025. For more information, candidates can contact Dr. ir. Jebbe van der Werf, Maaike Maarse, or Prof. dr. Suzanne Hulscher.