PhD Candidate in Hydroinformatics at IHE Delft: Uncertainty-Aware Optimisation for Robust Water Distribution System Operation
The IHE Delft Institute for Water Education is offering a four-year PhD position in hydroinformatics focused on uncertainty-aware optimisation for drinking-water distribution systems. The role is part of the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network i3WaterS.
Overview
The IHE Delft Institute for Water Education invites applications for a PhD Candidate position in Hydroinformatics as part of the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network i3WaterS (Intelligent, Innovative and Integrative Water Systems). Based in Delft, Netherlands, the selected researcher will develop uncertainty-aware optimisation approaches to help water utilities make robust operational decisions under uncertain conditions. The position runs for 48 months, starting 1 January 2027.
Benefits
- A four-year doctoral employment contract at IHE Delft under Dutch university collective labour conditions, including pension fund entry.
- Participation in the international i3WaterS Doctoral Network and International Doctoral School across multiple European chapters.
- International secondments at the University of Cartagena in Spain and Cetaqua in Spain.
- Multidisciplinary training in artificial intelligence, digital twins, smart water systems, and multi-objective optimisation.
Eligibility
- Must hold a Master’s degree in hydroinformatics, civil engineering, environmental engineering, water engineering, applied mathematics, operations research, computer science, or a closely related discipline.
- Strong background in hydraulics, hydraulic modelling, and mathematical or computational optimisation.
- Programming experience in Python, with familiarity in optimisation libraries and water-network modelling software being highly desirable.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English for academic publishing and reporting.
- Must not already hold a doctoral degree and must satisfy the MSCA mobility rule (not having resided or carried out main activities in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to recruitment).
How to Apply
Applicants must submit their complete application in English via the official IHE Delft application system. Email submissions are not accepted. Required documents in PDF format include:
- An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae detailing academic, technical, and research experience.
- A motivation letter explaining interest in the project and institutional fit.
- An abstract of your Master’s thesis.
- The names and contact details of two referees.
Deadline
The application deadline is 20 September 2026 at 23:59 CEST (Brussels time).