PhD Researcher in Structural Glass for Masonry Building Retrofitting

Challenge: Implement a solution based on structural glass to strengthen masonry buildings

Change: The perspective on glass use in buildings

Impact: Help preserve Dutch heritage in a non-invasive manner

Job Description

Older buildings often do not satisfy modern codes when considering lateral loads such as wind forces or updated seismicity hazards. In these cases, buildings need to be retrofitted to ensure they meet safety criteria. Historical buildings are difficult cases because their historical character and value should not be altered; non-invasive and easily-reversible solutions are thus preferred.

With structural glass, a load-carrying layer of glass is added or replaces an existing glass layer in the windows of the building. This makes the walls stiffer and stronger, better capable of counteracting deformations, even those induced by settlements, a common problem of Dutch buildings founded on soft soils. The connection between glass and masonry is designed to give way when forces become too large which the rest of the building may not be prepared to withstand. Instead, the tearing of this interface releases energy that helps dampen and reduce induced forces during earthquake events, for instance. In this manner, the window protects the building from small deformations and large dynamic events.

In The Section Of Applied Mechanics, We Have Conducted Experiments On a Prototype Of This Solution (see Edu.nl/r3wbg). The Goal Is To Apply Structural Glass To Dutch Heritage Buildings In Need Of Strengthening, And You Can Help By

• advancing the design of the structural glass window considering lateral loads but also aspects such as temperature effects, building physics, constructability, etc.
• performing non-linear computational analyses of the various window elements in combination with typical and specific Dutch heritage buildings, 2D and 3D,
• establishing industry partners and interacting with them to realize an implementable structural glass window solution,
• conducting small experiments to determine glass-building properties and/or helping to acquire funding for larger experiments.
  
  

You will work closely with colleagues from the Applied Mechanics group (edu.nl/bv3yt) and other groups at the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences TU Delft and engage with a diverse team of national and international partners. This PhD project is linked to TU Delft’s contributions to understanding building damage due to quasi-static and dynamic ground movements and carries substantial societal relevance and usefulness. Collaborations with government institutions are ongoing.

Job Requirements

We are looking for motivated and knowledgeable PhD candidates to join our team. You should:

• Hold a MSc degree in civil engineering or architecture, preferably with a focus on structures.
• Know the basics of (structural) glass and of Dutch masonry (heritage) buildings.
• Have a solid understanding of computational/numerical modelling and structural mechanics.
• Be comfortable in at least one high-level programming language such as Python or Matlab.
• Be enthusiastic about interaction with Dutch industry partners to help realize and implement this idea, and care about heritage buildings.
• Be open to interdisciplinary approaches and collaborative research, and are keen to grow to become an independent researcher in the field of non-linear structural analyses.
• English language proficiency: Applicants whose native language is not English and who do not hold a degree taught in English must provide proof of proficiency through either TOEFL (minimum total score 100) or IELTS (minimum score of 7.0 in each sub-skill). Certificates older than two years are not accepted.
• Dutch language is a big plus for this position specifically.
  
  

Experience with experimental metrology, data analysis techniques, and familiarity with design strategies are welcomed, but not must-haves. If you are ready to learn, we will support you!

In addition, excellent communication and interpersonal skills are an essential component of this position. Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate can communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

We are acutely aware that we are a diverse society and not every talented student will have had the same opportunities to advance their careers. We will not discriminate against individual circumstances (e.g. parental leave, caring duties, disabilities etc.) to ensure an inclusive and fair recruitment process. We will also consider a wide range of possible career paths, not only common research metrics.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences

The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Our research feeds into our educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource availability, urbanisation and clean water. Our research projects are conducted in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced of the importance of open science and supports its scientists in integrating open science in their research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in the following seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 per month in the first year to € 3881 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional Information

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Paul Korswagen, e-mail: p.a.korswagen@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure

Are You Interested In This Vacancy? Please Apply No Later Than 8 February 2026 Via The Application Button And Upload The Following Documents

• Motivation letter outlining your interest in pursuing a PhD, your interest in this particular project, and how your experience will benefit the project.
• Detailed CV including the (expected) MSc defense date.
• Names and contact information of at least two relevant references; support letters are not required, but nice to have.
• Academic record and list of courses and grades of the MSc curriculum you follow(ed).
• If possible, a Master's thesis (or other research outputs).
  
  

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Please Note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.