Researcher in Research Lab Foundations and Structures

Are you a researcher with a background in structural engineering and experience in advanced simulation software? Would you like to contribute to cutting-edge research within the long-term Research Lab Foundations and Structures (OFC - Onderzoekslaboratorium Funderingen en Constructies) program, funded by the Dutch National Coordinator for Groningen (NCG)? If so, we would be pleased to hear from you.

About the project
The Research Lab Foundations and Structures is a multidisciplinary research initiative focused on innovative approaches to structural safety in areas simultaneously affected by induced seismicity and soil related wide-spread structural issues. This project involves applied research in structural modeling, risk assessment, and solution-oriented simulations, aiming to enhance the safety and sustainability of buildings and infrastructure in the Northern Netherlands.

What you will do
As a researcher, you will carry out applied research in structural engineering, with a strong focus on computational structural modeling and simulations. You will collaborate closely with fellow researchers, regional stakeholders, and students. Your tasks will include:

• Structural modeling to simulate the behavior of buildings and other structures.
• Designing, executing, and analyzing advanced structural simulations.
• Supporting the writing of project proposals, technical reports, and academic or professional articles.
• Engaging with structural engineering firms in the region.
• Maintaining contact with the client (NCG) and other relevant stakeholders (e.g., IMG, the Province) for consultations, discussions, and presentations of project progress and outcomes.
• Supporting curriculum and educational activities in which our group is involved.
• Contributing to dissemination efforts and public engagement, including demonstrations and knowledge-sharing events.

Where you will work
You will be part of the Research Centre for Built Environment NoorderRuimte at Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen. NoorderRuimte conducts applied research into the built environment in the northern Netherlands. Our key themes include earthquakes, health & wellbeing, live ability and sustainability. The centre comprises seven research groups with over 80 active researchers, including professors, postdocs, PhD candidates, lecturer-researchers, and students. You will join a multidisciplinary consortium of public, private, and community partners. Your main location will be Groningen, but you will also work at partner sites as needed.

What we ask of you
Must-haves:

• A completed master’s degree (or PhD) in Structural Engineering or a closely related field.
• Experience with computational structural modeling.
• Proficiency with advanced simulation software such as ABAQUS, ELS, LS-Dyna, or ANSYS.

Nice to have:

• Experience with the Applied Element Method or specific knowledge of ELS.
• Background in earthquake engineering.
• Affinity with Python, data processing, and visualization techniques.

This is what you get in return

• A two-year contract starting in September 2025.
• The position is for 0.8 to 1.0 FTE, depending on availability and preference.
• Scale 11 (min. € 4.013,- en max. € 6.114,-), in accordance with CAO-HBO (lecturer-researcher A). A gross monthly salary for a full-time appointment.

Curious to know more?
If you want to know more about this position, you can e-mail Ihsan E. Bal, i.e.bal@pl.hanze.nl. Please do not use this email address for your application (click on Apply-button).

Will you become our new colleague?
Then send your resume and motivation, written in English, via the application button.

• Closing date is:  01/09/2025.
• Interviews will be on: Wednesday, 10 September 2025.