PhD Position in Coastal Engineering: Modeling Dune Resilience to Wave Overwash
(ref. BAP
Laatst aangepast: 19/12/25
Within the Hydraulics and Geotechnics group at KU Leuven - Bruges, the focus is on coastal protection by nature-based solutions. A combination of field surveys, physical and numerical modelling serve as a basis for better understanding the behavior of sandy coastal protection barriers, such as beaches and dunes. Processes as accretion and erosion require a fundamental understanding to evaluate the performance of the Nature-Based Solution.
The Hydraulics research group at UC Louvain conducts measurements and modelling techniques on fluvial systems and has a strong reputation on the interaction of hydraulics with sediment dynamics and failure mechanisms of e.g. dykes.
This joint PhD will make use of the expertise of both research groups at the partner universities.
Project
The rising sea level and increasing storm intensities threaten the Belgian coast. Dunes serve as a natural safeguard, but they face significant erosion risks from wave overwash. This project aims to enhance the XBeach coastal model by integrating advanced sediment transport and groundwater flow models, leveraging insights from fluvial hydraulics and new field experiments.
The PhD candidate will work on:
* Collecting and analyzing data from field measurements and laboratory experiments
* Comparing and evaluating existing numerical models, including XBeach and Watlab (developed at UCLouvain/iMMC)
* Developing and implementing improved numerical models for dune erosion and overwash.
* Validating the enhanced model against real-world storm events and providing practical guidelines for coastal protection.
Profile
* A Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Coastal Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Hydraulics, Geosciences, or a related field
* Strong background in hydrodynamics, sediment transport, and numerical modeling
* Experience with computational tools such as XBeach, SWASH, Watlab or CFD modeling is an asset
* Programming skills (Python, C++, MATLAB, or Fortran) are required
* Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities along with a good team-spirit.
* Fluent in English (both written and spoken), Dutch or French is an asset.
Offer
* A 4-year fully funded PhD in a leading research environment at KU Leuven and UCLouvain
* Access to cutting-edge numerical and experimental facilities
* Collaboration with international experts in coastal engineering and sediment transport
* Opportunity to contribute to real-world coastal defense strategies.
Interested?
More info? Contact prof. dr. ir. Pieter Rauwoens, or prof. Sandra Soares-Frazao,
You can apply for this job no later than January 12, 2026 via the online application tool
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Tewerkstellingspercentage: Voltijds
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Locatie: Brugge
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Solliciteren tot en met:
12/01/2026 23:59 CET
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Tags: Burgerlijke Bouwkunde