Miguel Angel Cabrera Cabrera

TU Delft’s Section of GeoEngineering is advertising two PhD openings in the NWO-funded Digital Dikes programme , focused on backward erosion piping (BEP) and soil failure processes in geotechnical structures. PhD 1: Physical Modelling of BEP — This project emphasizes experimental work, pushing physical modelling boundaries with new setups and measurement techniques, including the study of complex mechanisms such as 3D pipe network formation. PhD 2: Finite Element Modelling of BEP — This project uses RFEM to quantify how soil heterogeneity and uncertainty drive piping processes in spatially variable soils. The positions are at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, with supervision involving Prof. M. Hicks and Assistant Professor Miguel Angel Cabrera Cabrera . The post is aimed at candidates with a background in geotechnical engineering , hydraulic engineering , granular physics , geosciences , or related fields. Funding: The programme is NWO-funded, indicating funded PhD positions. No stipend, tuition, or additional financial details are stated in the post. Deadlines: 14 June 2026 for the physical modelling PhD and 22 June 2026 for the finite element modelling PhD. Interested applicants should use the relevant TU Delft careers link for the specific project and apply before the deadline.

Two PhD opportunities are available at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the section of GeoEngineering as part of the NWO-funded Digital Dikes programme . The research focuses on backward erosion piping (BEP) , soil variability, and failure processes in geotechnical structures. PhD 1: Physical Modelling of BEP — This project emphasizes experimental work, new setups, and measurement techniques to push the boundaries of physical modelling. The topic includes complex mechanisms such as 3D pipe network formation. PhD 2: Finite Element Modelling of BEP — This project uses RFEM to quantify how soil heterogeneity and uncertainty drive piping processes in spatially variable soils. Relevant academic backgrounds include geotechnical engineering , hydraulic engineering , granular physics , geosciences , or related fields. The post is framed as a hiring call from Miguel Angel Cabrera Cabrera (Assistant Professor at TU Delft) together with Prof. M. Hicks . The positions appear to be funded through the Digital Dikes programme, but no stipend amount or tuition details are provided in the post text. Deadlines are listed separately for each PhD: 14 June 2026 for the physical modelling position and 22 June 2026 for the finite element modelling position. Interested candidates should review the TU Delft job pages and apply via the relevant careers portal link for the specific PhD track.