(ref. BAP-2024-611)
Laatst aangepast: 11/09/24

Climate change has various effects on marine sediments, for example, coastal sediments may experience increased erosion, which can have cascading impacts on the broader marine ecosystem, including on benthic habitats. In turn causing alterations in food webs, and potential implications for carbon sequestration. This change drives the creation of innovative technologies, embracing sustainable practices, and constructing resilient infrastructures, with a particular emphasis on Nature inspired Designing (NID). Therefore, the aim of the project is to acquire valuable insights into the efficient implementation of soft-sediment marine species (with a pelagic larvae phase) (like Lanice conchilega) into a NID in marine infrastructure projects, specifically tailored to the industry’s needs. By doing so, we will be able to expand the range of options available to meet their Climate change has various effects on marine sediments, for example, coastal sediments may experience increased erosion, which can have cascading impacts on the broader marine ecosystem, including on benthic habitats. In turn causing alterations in food webs, and potential implications for carbon sequestration. This change drives the creation of innovative technologies, embracing sustainable practices, and constructing resilient infrastructures, with a particular emphasis on Nature inspired Designing (NID). Therefore, the aim of the project is to acquire valuable insights into the efficient implementation of soft-sediment marine species (with a pelagic larvae phase) (like Lanice conchilega) into a NID in marine infrastructure projects, specifically tailored to the industry’s needs. By doing so, we will be able to expand the range of options available to meet their NID requirements, by means of ecosystem engineers, thus empowering the industry with enhanced knowledge and strategies. The tube building polychaete, Lanice conchilega (or sand mason worm) will be our focus species, as it can be used in NID as an ecosystem engineer that stabilizes the sediment and increases biodiversity. They tend to occur in dense, patchy aggregations from the intertidal zone to 1000m depth in the North-East Atlantic region. Specifically in shallow intertidal areas L. conchilega patches can alter water flow and waves leading to stabilization of the sediment bed. These local changes induced by L. conchilega create distinct micro habitats in an otherwise uniform landscape, which results in increased faunal diversity. Therefore, this species is an interesting target species to be included in NID projects for several purposes. In the Coastbusters-LANICE project, we will focus on sediment stabilizing and biodiversity enhancing functions at the low water line, as it allows for conducting the measurements in a cost-efficient way.

We are looking for one Ph D student with a MSc in Civil, Hydraulic, Coastal, Ocean or Environmental Engineering (or equivalent), with sufficient background in fluid mechanics and hydraulics, with a keen interest in coastal sediment transport and its numerical modelling, including programming of new modules. Experience with numerical modelling of hydraulic (and possibly sediment transport) problems is a big plus (e.g. open FOAM). Experience in scientific programming is required, e.g. Matlab, Python (the code is written in Fortran90). Candidates are requested to submit proofs of these experiences (task reports, thesis, publications …) with their files at the online application.

Interested candidates should send their CV, motivation letter, diploma transcripts and supporting publications (pdf format) and English proficiency test results before the 7th of October 2024 using the KU Leuven submission tool.

The formal starting date is 1st November 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.

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