PhD on FEM Modelling of Sewer-Liner Failure under Chemo-Hygro-Mechanical Loading

Introduction

Are you fascinated by the interplay of chemistry, moisture, and mechanics in structures? Join our team to explore the failure of ageing sewer-liner systems using cutting-edge numerical modelling.

Job Description

In this PhD position, you will explore the long-term performance and failure mechanisms of sewer-liner systems subjected to complex environmental loads. Ageing, delamination, moisture infiltration, and chemical exposure are real-world challenges that impact urban infrastructure reliability. As a PhD researcher, you will develop a robust Finite Element Method (FEM) modelling framework to predict how these systems evolve—and eventually fail—over time. You will develop a comprehensive FEM-based modelling framework for sewer-liner systems that integrates advanced damage, plasticity, and fracture models, as well as ageing effects and coupled chemo-hygro-mechanical processes. This framework will be validated using experimental and inspection data and used to perform parametric studies on key design and environmental variables.

You will be part of the Applied Mechanics chair of the Department of the Built Environment at the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Netherlands, working closely with experimentalists and modelers to calibrate and validate your model with dedicated lab experiments. The PhD project is part of the EU-funded initiative AI:LINER – Data-Driven Sewer Asset Management, under the HORIZON-CL4-2024-TWIN-TRANSITION-01-12 programme, which brings together 13 participants and 15 associated partners from across Europe to advance the assessment, repair, and long-term resilience of civil engineering infrastructure. Your results will contribute to a broader study on the performance and lifetime of liner-sewer systems, helping municipalities and engineers design longer-lasting and more sustainable underground infrastructure.

Your work contributes to safer, longer-lasting, and more sustainable urban infrastructure—vital for healthy, climate-resilient cities. You’ll help municipalities and engineers make informed decisions about rehabilitation, repair, and asset management.

We welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds and encourage applicants who are enthusiastic, curious, and driven by impact. At TU/e, you will find a supportive and collaborative research environment where you can grow as both a scientist and a professional.

Job Requirements

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering or Mechanical Engineering, with a specialization in Applied Mechanics or Computational Mechanics.
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with academic/industrial partners.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you: 

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment. 
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 2,901 max. € 3,707).  
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%. 
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process. 
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.  
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates. 

Information and application

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow. 

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

How about a PhD at TU/e?

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Prof. Dr. A.S.J. Suiker, Full Professor in Applied Mechanics (A.S.J. Suiker@tue.nl).

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact Scott Jacops, HR Advisor (s.m.m.c.b.jacops@tue.nl).

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.