Are you passionate about offshore engineering and advanced numerical modelling? Join us at TU Delft for a cutting-edge PhD project on efficient decommissioning of offshore monopile foundations.

Job description

The decommissioning of offshore monopile foundations is an emerging challenge as the first generation of offshore wind farms nears the end of its operational life. This project aims to develop and validate advanced modelling approaches to simulate the physical processes associated with monopile extraction, with particular emphasis on the dynamics of soil–structure interaction and a deeper understanding of cyclic soil behaviour.
The appointed researcher will explore different decommissioning strategies and develop numerical models to investigate the mechanical response of the soil–pile system under various removal scenarios. These models will be calibrated and validated using available experimental and field data. The outcomes will provide key insights into safe, efficient, and cost-effective decommissioning strategies and will contribute to circular economy approaches in the offshore wind sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Advance the understanding of the mechanics behind monopile decommissioning, including vibratory extraction techniques.
• Develop and implement advanced computational models to simulate monopile removal processes.
• Investigate the influence of decommissioning parameters—such as method, loading frequency and amplitude, and soil conditions—on extraction performance.
• Potentially contribute to the design of a testing programme focused on monopile extraction and validation of modelling results.
• Publish research findings in leading peer-reviewed journals and present results at international conferences.
  

Job requirements

• MSc degree in Civil Engineering, Applied Mechanics, or a related field.
• Strong background in numerical modelling and soil-structure interaction.
• Experience with FEM packages (e.g. PLAXIS, Abaqus, OpenSees) is desirable.
• Programming experience (e.g. Python, MATLAB) is a plus.
• Good communication skills and ability to work independently in an international research environment.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

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

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2901 per month in the first year to € 3707 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

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

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Vagelis Kementzetzidis, via E.Kementzetzidis@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 20 May 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter

You can address your application to Vagelis Kementzetzidis.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.