Benjamin Dewals

The University of Liège (ULiège), located in the French-speaking region of Belgium, is offering a fully funded postdoctoral position focused on novel approaches for modelling flood risk and cascading effects. ULiège is a dynamic, multicultural institution with a strong commitment to open science, diversity, and international collaboration. The successful candidate will join the HECE group, which specializes in hydrology, flood risk management, hydraulic engineering, and fluvial hydrodynamics. The group integrates computational modelling and laboratory experiments, developing and utilizing the WOLF modelling system—a GPU-accelerated platform with rainfall-runoff and 1D/2D flow and transport models, supported by a GIS-type interface. The research will address two main topics: (1) modelling the hydrodynamic effects of bridge clogging by floating debris, including laboratory experiments, process-based model development, and real-world case studies; and (2) stress testing temporary flood storage systems, involving stakeholder surveys, end-to-end performance modelling, residual risk analysis, and optimal system positioning using multi-criteria analysis. Duties include conducting research, writing publications and reports, participating in scientific events, contributing to teaching, supervising master projects and internships, co-supervising PhD students, assisting with organizational tasks, and writing proposals. Applicants must have completed their PhD within the last six years in a relevant field (civil/environmental engineering, geosciences, environmental/applied physics, data sciences), be proficient in computer programming (Python), and fluent in English. The position offers a gross monthly salary of approximately 5,500 EUR, with benefits such as public transportation reimbursement and access to training. ULiège provides a supportive, inclusive research environment and assistance for international researchers. Applications are accepted via an online form, with selection starting September 30th, 2025. Informal inquiries can be directed to Prof. Benjamin Dewals ([email protected]).