Vanessa Magnanimo

The University of Twente is offering a prestigious Engineering Doctorate (EngD) position in the Digital Dikes project, focusing on the risk assessment of Backward Erosion Piping (BEP) in dikes. This two-year, full-time EngD opportunity is based in the Faculty of Engineering Technology and is part of a large international consortium including Deltares, University of Bologna, Rijkswaterstaat, and the Dutch Flood Protection Programme. The project aims to develop advanced digital models for dike stability and erosion, integrating multiscale simulations, data assimilation from laboratory and field experiments, and probabilistic risk predictions. The research will involve gathering and processing validation needs for numerical models, executing and analyzing laboratory tests with Deltares and Water Authority Aa & Maas, and co-designing and implementing field-scale experiments in Boretto, Italy. The candidate will collaborate with international researchers to validate digital models and ensure datasets follow FAIR principles for accessibility. The project offers hands-on experience in real-world experiments and modeling, as well as opportunities for extended internships at Deltares and the University of Bologna. Applicants should have a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline, experience in physical testing and data analysis, and strong programming skills (preferably in Python). The role requires a creative, proactive, and analytical approach to research, excellent communication skills, and the ability to collaborate internationally. Candidates must be available for short-term international travel and have an excellent command of English. Applications from diverse backgrounds are encouraged. The EngD position offers a gross monthly salary of €3,029, with additional benefits including an 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% end-of-year bonus, pension scheme, 29 holidays per year, and free access to sports facilities. The University of Twente provides a supportive, international, and multidisciplinary research environment, with a green campus and a family-friendly policy. The project is supervised by Prof. Vanessa Magnanimo (University of Twente), Dr. Koos V. (Deltares), and Prof. L. Tonni and M. Marchi (University of Bologna). To apply, candidates should submit a motivation letter, CV, transcripts (BSc & MSc), references (at least two, preferably academic/industrial), and any available theses or reports via the University of Twente portal before 15 March 2026. Screening is part of the selection procedure. The intended starting date is as soon as possible, and no later than 1 September 2026. For more information, contact Prof. Vanessa Magnanimo at [email protected]. This is an excellent opportunity for motivated researchers interested in civil engineering, risk assessment, and digital modeling to contribute to a project with significant societal impact.

This fully-funded PhD position at the University of Twente focuses on high-resolution micro-scale modelling of Backward Erosion Piping (BEP), a critical process affecting dike stability. BEP involves seepage flow through dike foundations, leading to internal erosion channels caused by sand particle erosion, especially during high-water events. The Digital Dikes program aims to address the limitations of current assessment methods by developing advanced numerical models that capture the complex 3D nature of BEP and the variability of soil and water conditions. The program trains 14 young researchers in novel modelling methodologies for dike safety, collaborating with industry, government, and international partners. The PhD project investigates poorly understood internal erosion mechanisms at the microscale, focusing on primary erosion (Darcy-driven erosion at the pipe tip) and secondary erosion (tangential erosion along pipe walls). Using advanced particle–fluid simulation tools, the project will employ the Discrete Element Method (DEM) for granular soil and the Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) for pore-scale seepage flow. This coupled framework enables detailed resolution of complex pore-scale fluid flow and particle motion driven by erosion. Key research targets include primary erosion at the upstream-propagating pipe tip, three-dimensional pipe networks where secondary streams converge into the primary pipe, and the influence of small-scale heterogeneities (such as local density variations) on meandering patterns. The overarching goal is to establish connections between soil characteristics (particle size distribution, initial density, and pressure), local heterogeneity, and the 3D advancement of the pipe tip. By comparing different soil conditions, the study will assess how primary erosion is affected by the formation of 3D branches in relation to soil properties. High-performance computing (HPC) methods and infrastructures are essential for this pioneering three-dimensional particle-scale numerical investigation of BEP primary erosion. The PhD project is supervised by Prof. Vanessa Magnanimo (University of Twente) and Dr. F. Froiio (University of Lyon), with at least 4 months secondment at Centrale Lyon. Collaboration with Technical University of Delft (Dr. M. Cabrera) and ABT for experimental calibration and validation is integral to the project. Soil characteristics and size distributions will be sourced from Dutch Water Authorities, and the candidate will benefit from the Digital Dikes network. Applicants should have a MSc or equivalent degree in Civil Engineering, Hydraulic Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field. Strong interest in fundamental research and numerical modelling, affinity with granular materials or soil erosion processes, programming skills in C and Python, and experience in Unix/Linux environments are required. Experience with DEM, particle-based numerical methods, and HPC technologies (MPI, OpenMP) is advantageous. Scientific writing, communication skills, and proficiency in English are essential. The position offers a starting salary of €3059 gross per month, rising to €3881 in the fourth year, with annual holiday allowance (8%) and year-end bonus (8.3%), a solid pension scheme, and a minimum of 41 leave days for full-time employment. The PhD candidate will be enrolled in the Twente Graduate School (TGS) and work in a multidisciplinary, international environment with excellent campus facilities. Applications must be submitted by June 14, 2026, via the provided link. Required documents include a cover letter, detailed CV with courses and grades, and a description of MSc research. Screening is part of the procedure, and interviews are scheduled for the first and second week of July 2026. For further information, contact Prof. Vanessa Magnanimo at [email protected].

This fully-funded PhD position at the University of Twente focuses on hybrid particle-continuum modelling of backward erosion piping (BEP) in heterogeneous soil layers, a critical topic in dike safety assessment and flood risk management. The research aims to advance understanding of failure processes at different scales, including erosion at the pipe tip, sediment transport under changing hydraulic conditions, and the influence of local and regional groundwater flow. Existing models often rely on empirical rules, but the underlying mechanisms of BEP remain uncertain, leading to variable predictions of dike failure. Within Work Package 3, 'Upscaling BEP models across scales', the PhD candidate will tackle the scientific challenge of integrating BEP mechanisms into continuum-based models. The project leverages a concurrent multi-scale modelling framework combining the finite element method (FEM) and discrete element method (DEM), enabling explicit representation of interactions between micro-scale pipe growth and macro-scale groundwater flow. Collaboration with two other PhD candidates will facilitate the study of 3D subsurface variability and its impact on BEP behaviour, using both simplified and advanced models within a unified probabilistic framework. This approach allows efficient risk quantification for dike failure caused by backward erosion piping. The PhD project is supervised by Prof. Vanessa Magnanimo and Dr. Hongyang Cheng at the University of Twente, and the candidate will be enrolled in the Twente Graduate School (TGS). The Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) offers a multidisciplinary and international environment, with strong connections to industrial and societal partners, and access to excellent facilities for sports, leisure, and professional development. The position is part of the Digital Dikes network, providing opportunities for close collaboration and impactful research. Funding includes a starting salary of €3059 gross per month in the first year, rising to €3881 in the fourth year, an annual holiday allowance of 8%, a year-end bonus of 8.3%, a solid pension scheme, and a minimum of 41 leave days for full-time employment. The university fosters a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues and a culture of quality, connection, and inclusivity. Applicants must have an MSc degree in Geotechnical, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related fields, with affinity for granular materials, fluid-coupled particulate systems, or soil erosion processes. Experience with numerical methods (FEM, DEM), coding skills (C++, Python), and proficiency in English are required. Good communication skills and the ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment are essential. To apply, submit your application before June 14, 2026 via the university's online portal. Required documents include a cover letter, detailed CV with courses and grades, and a description of your MSc research. Screening is part of the procedure, and interviews are scheduled for July 2026. For further information, contact Dr. Hongyang Cheng ([email protected]) or Prof. Vanessa Magnanimo ([email protected]).