About the opportunity
IHE Delft Institute for Water Education seeks a Doctoral Candidate to undertake research within the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network i3WaterS (Intelligent, Innovative and Integrative Water Systems). The network trains 15 Doctoral Candidates to develop data-driven, model-based and artificial-intelligence-enabled approaches for intelligent, resilient and sustainable drinking-water distribution systems. The specific research objective is to develop an uncertainty-aware, model-based multi-objective optimisation methodology that improves operational decision-making in drinking-water distribution systems. The candidate will be hosted by the Hydroinformatics and Socio-Technical Innovation Department at IHE Delft in the Netherlands for a 48-month period, participating in the i3WaterS International Doctoral School and secondments at partner institutions.
Salary and benefits
- Position for 48 months (4 years) at 38 hours per week
- Final remuneration package following IHE Delft employment conditions and applicable MSCA Doctoral Network allowances
- Entry into the Netherlands' Civil Service Pension Fund (ABP)
- International training through the i3WaterS International Doctoral School organised across Barcelona, Dublin, Bordeaux, Delft, Brussels, and Newcastle
- Secondments at the University of Cartagena and Cetaqua for specialised training and validation
Who can apply?
- A Master's degree with strong academic results in Hydroinformatics, civil or environmental engineering, water engineering, applied mathematics, operations research, computer science or a closely related field
- Strong knowledge of hydraulics and hydraulic modelling of drinking-water distribution systems
- Knowledge of optimisation, preferably multi-objective, robust or stochastic optimisation, and an interest in decision-making under uncertainty
- Programming experience in Python; experience with optimisation libraries and water-network modelling software is highly desirable
- English language proficiency (written and spoken) and demonstrated skills in independently writing academic texts in English
- Must be a Doctoral Candidate at the date of recruitment and must not already hold a doctoral degree or have defended a doctoral thesis
- Must comply with the MSCA mobility rule: during the 36 months immediately before recruitment, must not have resided or carried out main activity in the Netherlands for more than 12 months
Required documents
- Curriculum vitae
- Motivation letter
- Abstract of your MSc thesis
- Names and contact details of two referees
When to apply
- Publication date: 25 August 2026
- Application deadline: 20 September 2026 at 23:59 CEST (Brussels time)
How to apply
- Prepare all required documents as PDF files
- Submit your application using the Apply button on the official vacancy page
- Ensure applications are submitted in English
Additional information
- The initial contract is for 18 months, with a go/no-go decision made within the first year based on a detailed PhD research proposal.
- Expected contract starting date is 1 January 2027.
- The mobility plan includes a three-month secondment at the University of Cartagena and a two-month secondment at Cetaqua.
- Applications submitted by email will not be considered.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Master's degree holders in Hydroinformatics, civil engineering, or applied mathematics with strong academic results.
- Candidates with practical knowledge of hydraulic modelling and an interest in decision-making under uncertainty.
- Researchers eager to participate in an international doctoral network with secondments in Europe.
What should you think carefully about?
- The position requires adherence to the MSCA mobility rule regarding residency in the Netherlands.
- The initial contract is 18 months, with a go/no-go decision based on a research proposal within the first year.
- This is an on-site, full-time role in Delft, requiring a commitment to a 48-month research program.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This PhD position is perfect for an aspiring researcher aiming to specialize in intelligent water systems. It provides a comprehensive training environment, international exposure through secondments, and the stability of a four-year funded employment contract.
Our take
Highly motivated candidates with a strong background in water engineering and optimization should apply. It is less suitable for those who have already defended a doctoral thesis or who cannot meet the specific mobility requirements.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verified
