Are you worried about the coastal regions in an era of climate change and plastic pollution? Do you want to play a part in the development of a novel numerical model that can shed light on these societal challenges? Then this Postdoc position is for you.
Applications are invited for a 3-year Postdoc position, ideally starting in November 2025 within the general field of coastal engineering at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, section for Fluid Mechanics, Coastal and Maritime Engineering (FVM).
The position will play an integral part of the project “SHORE: Simulating coastal HydrOdynamics and particle tRansport procEsses”, financed by the European Research Council. The SHORE project is briefly described below:
Beaches are eroding at many locations around the world, and, with the pending climate change (sea level rise and increased storminess in Northern Europe), coastal erosion is expected to potentially worsen. State-of-the-art practical engineering models for predicting sand and particle transport struggle with the cross-shore processes (perpendicular to the beach), and they even have difficulties predicting the sign right (offshore transport vs. onshore transport), in an experimental setting where the boundary conditions are fully known. The shortage of state-of-the-art models also means that the spreading of microplastic particles, which are increasingly polluting the oceans cannot be predicted accurately. As a result, the future shape of the world’s coastal profiles and the fate of microplastic particles in the coastal region are largely unknown. SHORE aims to bridge this knowledge and competence gap and develop the first model capable of accurately simulating both on and offshore transport of sediments and microplastic particles without case-specific calibration.
The project will also involve collaboration between DTU, Utrecht University, Aberdeen University and Twente University. An external research stay at Aberdeen University to conduct experiments is expected.
Responsibilities and tasks
The overall focus of the postdoc is to develop understanding of and relatively simple models/empirical relations for cross-shore sediment and particle transport processes.
Two experimental campaigns are planned to improve the understanding of cross-shore transport of microplastic particles. You will be leading these to campaigns. Additionally, you will lead the development of simple models for cross-shore sediment transport predictions. These models will be based on an extensive experimental database containing historical experimental results (to be collected within the project).
You will work together with other young researchers involved in the project as well as with international academic and industrial collaborators.
Key tasks involve:
- Planning, executing and analysing results from an experimental campaign in DTU’s wave flumes
- Planning, executing and analysing results from an experimental campaign in the oscillatory flow tunnel at the University of Aberdeen
- Assembling a large database containing historical experimental results of cross-shore sediment and particle transport processes
- Development of a novel model for short wave particle and sediment transport
- Development of a novel model for suspended sediment
- Dissemination of research findings in scientific journals and international conferences
- Release of the developed models open source for public usage
- Team meetings with other members of the SHORE project
- Co-supervision of MSc. Projects related to the project
Qualifications
We are looking for a highly motivated Postdoc candidate with strong methodological skills within coastal experimental laboratory work. You need to be able to work independently in the lab and take decisions on experimental setup and data treatment in relation to the overall goals of the project considering also the present state-of-the art.
You have extensive knowledge on processes governing cross-shore transport and are capable of using experimental data to develop predictive models. Experiences within numerical modelling of coastal processes is considered an asset but is not mandatory.
You are able to work independently and systematically, and you have desire to shape your own research project, while simultaneously working within the framework of the overall project. You are comfortable working in groups, and you welcome collaborative work.
High proficiency in written English is a requirement.
As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).
The following knowledge and skills will be seen as assets:
- Experience in leading coastal experimental laboratory work
- Knowledge and understanding of cross-shore sediment and particle transport processes
- Experience with Lagrangian measurement techniques for particle transport
- Programming competencies in MATLAB or Python
- Experience in using practical coastal engineering models such as MIKE, Delft3D, XBeach and SWASH
- Experience in using CFD, preferably OpenFOAM
We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.
Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.
The period of employment is 3 years. Starting date is 1 November 2025 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Senior Researcher Bjarke Eltard Larsen, email: bjelt@dtu.dk.
You can read more about Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at https://construct.dtu.dk.
If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.
Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 10 September 2025 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:
- Application (cover letter)
- CV
- Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
- List of publications
- Letters of recommendation or alternatively contact information to references
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.
DTU Civil and Mechanical Engineering develops and utilizes science and technical knowledge for the benefit of society and sustainable development. We undertake research, education, innovation, and scientific advice of the highest quality within building design and processes, building construction and safety, building energy and services, solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, materials technology, manufacturing engineering, engineering design and thermal energy systems.
Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.