Postdoc Position - High-Resolution Urban CFD Simulations and Measurements for Urban Air Mobility

Advance Urban Air Mobility through high-resolution CFD simulations, 3D urban modelling and real-world measurements. Join TU Delft to improve the safety and sustainability of future urban aviation!

Job description

The 3D Geoinformation research group at TU Delft is looking for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join the European project IAM-CC. In this interdisciplinary project, you will investigate how detailed 3D urban models and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations can improve the prediction of urban airflow and the effects of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) operations.

Urban environments present complex aerodynamic challenges. The growth of Urban Air Mobility creates new demands for understanding wind patterns, turbulence and UAM downwash in densely built areas. In this position, you will develop and apply methodologies that combine urban reconstruction, high-resolution CFD simulations and field measurements to improve the accuracy and reliability of urban flow predictions.

Your research will focus on:

• Reconstructing urban environments at different levels of detail for CFD applications.
• Performing CFD simulations of urban airflow including UAM downwash effects.
• Developing and applying workflows for three major European cities: Milan, Coimbra and Madrid.
• Conducting and analysing on-site wind field measurements during project living labs, including UAM flight demonstrations in Milan.
• Validating numerical predictions using real-world measurement data.
• Collaborating with researchers and industry partners within the IAM-CC consortium.
• Publishing research findings in leading scientific journals and conferences.

You will become part of the internationally recognised 3D Geoinformation group within the Urban Data Science section. Our multidisciplinary team combines expertise in geoinformation science, computer science, geomatics, urban modelling and data-driven city analysis. We develop innovative technologies for modelling and managing 3D cities, buildings and landscapes, and maintain strong collaborations with industry and government partners.

This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of urban modelling, computational fluid dynamics, geoinformation science and Urban Air Mobility while contributing to research with direct societal impact.

Job requirements

• You hold a PhD degree, or are close to completion, in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Geoinformatics, Geomatics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics or a related discipline.
• You have demonstrated experience with computational fluid dynamics and numerical simulations and/or experiments in fluid dynamics.
• You have experience with programming and scientific software development; experience with C++ is an advantage.
• Experience with machine learning, 3D city modelling or urban reconstruction techniques is beneficial.
• You are interested in combining simulation-based research with experimental field measurements.
• You enjoy working in multidisciplinary and international research teams.
• You have excellent English communication skills, both written and spoken.
• You are motivated to contribute to high-impact research on sustainable urban mobility and future aviation systems.

TU Delft

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional.

Working at TU Delft means joining an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

Faculty Architecture & the Built Environment

The Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment has a leading role in education and research worldwide. Staff and students are working to improve the built environment with the help of a broad set of disciplines, including architectural design, urban planning, building technology, social sciences, process management, and geo-information science. The faculty works closely with other faculties, universities, private parties, and the public sector, and has an extensive network in the Netherlands as well as internationally.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is temporary for 2 years.
• 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 offers support to help make your move as smooth as possible, including 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.