Postdoc in AI tools for Coastal Climate Change Adaptation

Do you want to help shape the future of coastal resilience? Be part of a pioneering European project that addresses real-world climate challenges!

Job description

HARCCA is a European project conceived to co-construct and demonstrate innovative solutions for coastal climate resilience. The HARCCA consortium comprises 22 European partners from 9 countries, forming a large, experienced, diverse and multidisciplinary team. The team includes social scientists, coastal engineers, economists, ecologists, oceanographers, digital innovators, governance and policy experts, along with practitioners selected from local and regional authorities from coastal hotspots across Europe, from the North Sea and Baltic to the Mediterranean and Atlantic, including islands and outermost communities.

In particular, HARCCA will develop the DIGI-ADAPT AI-platform, integrating and visualising multi-hazard risk data and adaptation assessment.

For this challenging project, we are seeking a motivated and talented person who is looking to take their next step in an academic career. We offer a 4-year Postdoctoral Researcher appointment.

In this role you will:

• Join the international HARCCA project consortium.
• Lead the development of the DIGI-ADAPT AI-platform in coordination with software engineers and the project consortium.
• Demonstrate DIGI-ADAPT as a user-friendly geoportal to visualise coastal risk and socio-economic values.
• Ensure compatibility of DIGI-ADAPT with European digital climate initiatives.
• Organise workshops and coordinate stakeholder engagement (e.g. regular meetings, presentations, visits).

You will join the Department of Hydraulic Engineering, a collaborative and international team where curiosity, interdisciplinary research and scientific excellence are valued. Our department closely collaborates with the other departments within our Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geoscience and many research groups around the world. We value supporting your growth in the academic profession. This means mentoring, (PhD) student supervision, training, and ample opportunities for international collaboration and networking will be encouraged.

Job requirements

We are looking for an enthusiastic and inquisitive computational researcher who enjoys working in an international and multidisciplinary environment. You have:

• A PhD degree in Computer Science, Hydro-informatics or Civil Engineering (or in a related discipline).
• Demonstrated experience in data management, software development and/or model-data interoperability.
• Affinity with international collaborations that require traveling.
• Knowledge of, or strong interests in, scientific and practical knowledge of digital platforms, AI and geo-portals.
• Excellent programming skills (e.g. in Python, SQL, Java, PyTorch, etc.).
• A critical, creative and pro-active approach to research, with good problem-solving skills.
• Proven experience with writing scientific publications and preparing communications for scientific and technical meetings with project partners.
• Excellent command of English (oral and written).

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology 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.

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.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 4 years.
• Temporary external finance.
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• Flexible working week.
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave.
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.
• If you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job, TU Delft is committed to making your move as smooth as possible, with support for relocation and partner job search.

Additional information

The candidate is expected to start on 1 October 2026.