PhD Position High-resolution Modeling of Atmospheric Flows in Urban Environments

PhD Position High-resolution Modeling of Atmospheric Flows in Urban Environments

How do buildings shape the wind, temperature, and air quality of our cities? Join our research team to explore urban microclimates using high-resolution atmospheric large-eddy simulation model.

We are seeking a motivated and skilled PhD candidate to join the UrbanAIr project, a Horizon Europe Project that will develop decision-support tools that integrate neighbourhood- and street-level atmospheric models with real-time temperature and wind data. These tools will help cities to improve air quality, heat risks, and enhance resilience. Supported by Horizon Europe, UrbanAIR unites 18 partners from 11 countries to provide real-time data, AI-driven forecasts, and actionable insights for policymakers and planners.

As a PhD candidate, you will contribute to the further development and application of the Dutch Atmospheric Large-Eddy Simulation (DALES) model — a well-established numerical tool that incorporates a wide range of atmospheric physics at a very high spatial resolution of 5 up to 100 m. You will further develop and extend the capability of DALES to represent the urban environment and use the model as a high-resolution digital twin to simulate and analyze the complex atmospheric interactions around urban landscapes. The model will be embedded within a coarser operational weather forecast model to provide detailed data, which can be used to predict and mitigate the impacts of urban design on air quality, temperature variations, and local wind dynamics — critical factors in enhancing the livability and sustainability of cities. This will allow you, as an example, to explore the effects of urban design changes, including the integration of blue-green infrastructure (parks, trees, green roofs, ponds), on these environmental factors.

The successful candidate will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to deliver a powerful tool that enables municipalities and industries to make informed decisions on urban planning, climate change adaptation, and hazard mitigation. Your research will help shape urban resilience strategies and will be presented at project meetings, academic conferences, and contribute to high-impact publications. Within your PhD project, you will be supervised by Prof. Pier Siebesma, Dr. Pedro Costa, and Dr. Stephan de Roode.

Function requirements

To be considered for this position, you must hold a scientific degree (MSc or equivalent). As a suitable candidate, you may come from a range of backgrounds including, but not limited to, Climate Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or Environmental Sciences. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and be proficient in programming (e.g., Python, Fortran, or C++) and visualization tools. Experience with simulation tools, such as RANS or LES models, is highly desirable. You should possess strong analytical skills, initiative, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team. Fluency in English (both written and oral) is required, as you will be expected to present your findings through peer-reviewed publications and at international project meetings and scientific conferences.

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.

About TU Delft

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.

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 €2901 per month in the first year to €3707 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 making 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

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Pier Siebesma, e-mail: A.P.siebesma@tudelft.nl or Stephan de Roode, e-mail: s.r.deroode@tudelft.nl.