Postdoc in Large-scale Testing of Masonry Quay Wall

Typical Dutch canal cities are currently facing challenges related to the maintenance and safety risk of historical inner city infrastructure. Among others, masonry quay walls represent a large portion of it, especially in major cities such as Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Den Bosch. To understand how to prioritise maintainance, there is a need to estimate the residual service life of these structures. To this end, the TU Delft Structural Mechanics group has developed an advanced numerical modelling strategy to predict the response up to collapse of quay walls. Nevertheless, current laboratory or field experimental results for the validation of such models are limited.

As a postdoc, you will design a new large-scale experimental testing procedure to evaluate the response of a masonry quay-wall superstructure subject to both settlement and lateral out-of-plane loading up to failure. This will include a preliminary numerical study to identify the most representative loading scenarios, the design of novel large-scale set-up, and its verification through the first trial tests.

Your work will be formally part of the project CANALS, funded by the Dutch science foundation (NWO) and it will interface with the ongoing project on the “structural assessment of historical masonry infrastructure” funded by the AMS institute and the Municipality of Amsterdam. Both projects are led by Dr Rita Esposito and Dr Francesco Messali. This will allow you to work in a larger team with other PhDs, providing also the opportunity to gain experience in supervision of academic staff. The candidate is therefore expected to enjoy working in a team.

The candidate will work in the group of Structural Mechanics and in the TU Delft Masonry lab (part of the Macrolab/Stevinlaboratorium) under the supervision of Dr Rita Esposito and Dr Francesco Messali. More information on the group and the research projects can be found here Structural Mechanics.

Job requirements

We are looking for an ambitious postdoctoral researcher with the following characteristics:

• A PhD degree in civil engineering, or other related areas.
• Knowledge and interest in experimental solid mechanics and, preferably, experience in the design and execution of large-scale tests.
• An enthusiastic and highly motivated candidate with good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work both in a project team and independently, while taking leadership and responsibility for research tasks.
• Excellent communication skills (oral, written, and presentation).
• Experience with research activities in the area of computational modelling of structures, particularly nonlinear finite element analysis of masonry, is considered a plus.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences

The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Our research feeds into our educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource availability, urbanisation and clean water. Our research projects are conducted in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced of the importance of open science and supports its scientists in integrating open science in their research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in the following seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 24 months. Temporary.
• A job of 36-40 hours per week.
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• Flexible working week.
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional information

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr Rita Esposito (r.esposito@tudelft.nl).

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 8 November 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• A motivation letter specifically addressing our position.
• Full curriculum vitae (max 2 pages) including as list of key publications.
• A one-page summary of your PhD thesis.

Applicants selected for an interview will be asked to provide contact information of at least 2 references.

The first selection round consists of screening of your documents and selecting the top 5 candidates. The second round includes an interview with the selection committee.

Please note:

You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.

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