Research fields: Engineering
Job types: PhD
Education level: University graduate
Salary indication: €3204—€4051 per month
Location: De Zaale, 5612AZ, Eindhoven
Deadline: 15 Oct '26
Published: 15 Sep '26
Job description
Are you passionate about understanding hidden soil failure processes? Join us to explore how subsurface erosion leads to dike instability and sand production in geothermal wells using cutting-edge FEM modelling.
Information
In this PhD position, you contribute to a high-impact research project that combines advanced modelling with lab-scale experimentation to better understand and predict subsurface erosion phenomena.
Subsurface erosion—often invisible until it causes catastrophic damage—poses major risks to buried infrastructure. In this PhD project, you will investigate two pressing real-world challenges: sand production in geothermal boreholes and backward erosion piping in dikes. Both processes are driven by internal erosion mechanisms, which will be studied by developing and extending coupled hydro-mechanical erosion models.
This research simulates subsurface erosion in geothermal wells and dikes with advanced finite element models calibrated through small- and medium-scale laboratory experiments. It investigates the effects of soil properties, flow paths, and scale, aiming to develop practical prediction tools for engineering applications.
You will be part of the chairs of Applied Mechanics and Engineering Thermodynamics for Energy Systems at the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Netherlands. You will work closely with experts in numerical simulations, soil mechanics and geotechnical modelling. Your work will help safeguard infrastructure, improve geothermal energy systems, and enhance flood protection strategies—contributing to climate-resilient, sustainable development. You will be part of a supportive, inclusive, and multidisciplinary team tackling real-world problems with global relevance.
This project will be embedded within the BEHeaT program on subsurface heat extraction of the Eindhoven Institute for Renewable Energy Systems (EIRES) of the TU/e, serving as a valuable addition to the suite of methodologies for sustainable heat generation. Approaching the topic from a systems perspective within the broader BEHeaT framework, and linking related efforts from the Built Environment and Mechanical Engineering departments, the project strengthens interdepartmental collaboration and aligns well with EIRES’s energy transition goals.
We welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds and encourage applicants who are enthusiastic, curious, and driven by impact. At TU/e, you will find a supportive and collaborative research environment where you can grow as both a scientist and a professional.
Requirements
- A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering or Mechanical Engineering, with a specialization in Applied Mechanics or Computational Mechanics.
- A research-oriented attitude.
- Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).
- Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with academic/industrial partners.
- Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
Conditions of employment
Fixed-term contract: 4 years.
A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station.
In addition, we offer you:
- Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
- Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,204 - max. € 4,051 gross base salary per month (full-time)).
- In addition to your base salary, you will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus, both calculated based on your annual gross base salary.
- Generous leave options: a standard 29 days (based on a 38 hour working week) per year that you can increase to 41 days by working two hours more per week (flexible working hours). This is prorated if you work part-time.
- As a TU/e employee, you participate in the ABP pension scheme, providing retirement pension and pension benefits for surviving dependents and occupational disability. TU/e pays 70% of the pension premium, while employees contribute the remaining 30%.
- High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
- An excellent technical infrastructure, and on-campus children's day care.
- Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
- We support your wellbeing with free 24/7 access to OpenUp, providing you and your family with mental health support, expert guidance, and online training.
- An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
- A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the Expat Scheme) for international candidates.
On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!
Employer
TU/e
We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.
Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.
Sustainability, in its broadest definition, is the cornerstone of research and education in the Department of Built Environment. We take the lead in (re)shaping the built environment to be future-proof, safe, healthy, inclusive and respectful of planetary boundaries. We house the entire spectrum of technology, engineering, design, and human behavior disciplines in the built environment, with world-class experimental facilities at all scales. This allows us to address societal challenges from a uniquely integrated perspective.
Additional information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Prof.dr. A.S.J. Suiker, Full Professor in Applied Mechanics (A.S.J. Suiker@tue.nl).
Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact Scott Jacops, HR Advisor (s.m.m.c.b.jacops@tue.nl).
Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.
Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.
Working at TU/e
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