Postdoctoral Researcher in Surface Water Salinity Intrusion and Coastal Modelling at TU Delft, Netherlands (2026)
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Netherlands, is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to investigate surface water salinity intrusion in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna (GBM) Delta of Bangladesh. This exciting international research opportunity combines estuarine hydrodynamics, coastal ocean modelling, climate adaptation, and sustainable water management in one of the world's most climate-vulnerable delta systems.
The position is part of the COAST-Water-Solutions research programme funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) and involves collaboration with leading institutions in Bangladesh and the Netherlands.
Applications are open until 6 July 2026.
About the Research Project
Salinity intrusion is becoming a growing global challenge, threatening freshwater availability in many estuaries and deltas worldwide. The problem is especially severe in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna (GBM) Delta, home to millions of people and one of the most climate-sensitive regions on Earth.
The selected postdoctoral researcher will investigate:
Saltwater intrusion mechanisms
Climate change impacts on salinity
Future salinity scenarios
Coastal and estuarine hydrodynamics
Sustainable mitigation strategies
The ultimate goal is to develop science-based solutions that support climate-resilient water management in Bangladesh.
Research Objectives
The project focuses on understanding how salinity intrusion is affected by environmental and human-induced changes in the south-western GBM Delta.
Key drivers include:
Climate and Environmental Drivers
Sea-level rise
Changes in river discharge
Reservoir management
Cyclones
Land subsidence
Human-Induced Changes
Channel deepening
Land reclamation
Altered tidal dynamics
The researcher will develop future scenarios together with project partners and assess their impacts on freshwater availability and salinity dynamics.
Numerical Modelling and Hydrodynamic Analysis
A major component of the project involves developing and applying a sophisticated:
Delft3D Flexible Mesh (Delft3D-FM) Model
The researcher will:
Build and refine a 2D–3D hydrodynamic model
Simulate salinity transport processes
Evaluate future climate scenarios
Analyze circulation and transport mechanisms
Model validation will use both:
Existing datasets
Newly collected field observations
The research particularly focuses on:
Residual circulation effects
Salt dispersion mechanisms
Tidal dynamics
Effects of land reclamation
This work will contribute to improved understanding of estuarine processes in highly complex delta environments.
International Research Collaboration
The project is conducted through a strong international consortium including:
Netherlands
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)
Wageningen University & Research (WUR)
Deltares
Bangladesh
Institute of Water Modelling (IWM)
Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET)
The project includes collaboration with:
Dr. Wouter Kranenburg (TU Delft)
Prof. Sara Nowreen (BUET)
Prof. Ton Hoitink (WUR)
Md. Abdulla Hel Kafi (IWM)
Dr. Sepehr Eslami (Deltares)
At least one research visit to Bangladesh is planned during the project.
About the COAST-Water-Solutions Programme
The project forms part of the larger:
COAST-Water-Solutions Programme
A bilateral Netherlands–Bangladesh initiative funded by NWO that aims to develop:
Climate-resilient water systems
Sustainable water management strategies
Salt intrusion solutions
Drinking water security
Agricultural water availability
The programme integrates:
Natural sciences
Engineering
Social sciences
Living Lab approaches
to address long-term challenges in the GBM Delta.
Candidate Requirements
Applicants should possess:
A PhD in:
Physical Oceanography
Hydraulic Engineering
Physical Geography
Meteorology
Physics
Mathematics
Numerical Modelling
Or a closely related field
Candidates should also demonstrate:
Technical Skills
Numerical modelling experience
Environmental fluid dynamics expertise
Hydrodynamic modelling
Circulation and transport modelling
Scientific Skills
Strong quantitative reasoning
Conceptual understanding of physical processes
Scientific writing and communication abilities
Personal Skills
Teamwork and collaboration
Independent research capability
Multidisciplinary working experience
Experience in estuarine or coastal modelling is highly desirable.
Salary and Benefits
The position follows the Dutch Universities Collective Labour Agreement and includes:
Competitive postdoctoral salary
Excellent pension scheme (ABP)
Flexible employment package
Health insurance discounts
Training and professional development opportunities
Partially paid parental leave
Vitality and wellbeing programmes
Leave Benefits
232 leave hours annually (based on full-time employment)
Option to purchase additional leave
The appointment is funded for:
Contract Duration
18 months
Workload
24–38 hours per week
A part-time arrangement (0.6–0.8 FTE) with extended project duration is also possible.
About TU Delft
Founded more than 180 years ago, TU Delft is one of the world's leading technical universities and internationally renowned for its expertise in:
Water resources engineering
Coastal engineering
Climate adaptation
Delta technology
Hydraulic engineering
The position is hosted within:
Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences (CEG)
The faculty conducts globally recognized research on:
Climate change
Water systems
Delta management
Sustainable infrastructure
Coastal resilience
The Department of Hydraulic Engineering is one of the leading centers worldwide for estuarine and coastal research.
Application Documents
Applicants should submit:
Motivation letter
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Master's transcripts
PhD thesis (if available)
Candidates shortlisted for interviews will be asked to:
Present previous research
Discuss ideas relevant to the project
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 6 July 2026
- Expected First Interviews : 9–14 July 2026
- Location: Delft, Netherlands
- Research Visit: At least one visit to Bangladesh is anticipated.
Official Application Link
Why This Opportunity Is Important
This postdoctoral position offers a rare opportunity to work on one of the world's most complex and socially relevant coastal systems.
Researchers will gain expertise in:
- Estuarine hydrodynamics
- Coastal ocean modelling
- Climate adaptation
- Salinity intrusion
- Delta management
- International water governance
The project directly addresses global challenges related to climate change, freshwater security, and sustainable development.
For researchers interested in coastal processes, hydraulic engineering, and climate-resilient water systems, this is an exceptional opportunity to make a tangible scientific and societal impact.
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