PhD in Develop a Knowledge Representation for Pavement Data to Advance Sustainable Road Engineering

Apply and develop advanced multimodal data tools and knowledge graphs for heterogeneous pavement engineering knowledge aiming to speed up the learning cycle and support innovation and asset management.

Job description

The increasing accessibility of data in the pavement sector presents new opportunities for improving remaining lifetime predictions. However, developing a future-ready approach requires systematic data handling to establish a clear link between distresses and causality. The ultimate goal of such a knowledge representation is to create a future-proof framework that enables FAIR data sharing within initiatives such as Knowledge-Based Pavement Engineering (KPE) for more accurate remaining lifetime predictions.

This PhD project focuses on developing a systematic and future-proof framework for pavement lifetime prediction, primarily in Dutch conditions. Foreseen challenges include data harmonization, key relationship extraction, scalability, metadata structuring, predictive modeling, and data quality assurance. The research will integrate structured and unstructured data from various sources to enable advanced visualization and insights. Applicants should have experience in data management, predictive modeling of pavements, or infrastructure analytics. In this PhD, you are expected to develop a systematic, future-proof framework for predicting pavement lifetime, with a strong focus on Dutch road conditions but with globally relevant scientific value. If you have an interest in pavement engineering and digital infrastructure, join us in shaping the future of smart pavement engineering!

You will do your PhD in the Pavement Engineering section, where your project is part of a larger research program, KPE, that the section carries out together with the Dutch Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) for the Dutch National Road Agency (RWS). Although geared towards Dutch applications, the scientific challenges in your project are of a fundamental nature and worldwide applicable. As such, you will interact with researchers from various parts of the world and work together with specialists from the Pavement Engineering Section, TNO and RWS as well as specialists from the Dutch pavement engineering sector.

The education and research programmes of the Pavement Engineering section cover the characterization of pavement materials and the design, construction, and maintenance of different types of pavements. All these topics are addressed at various (material) scales, using a combination of experimental and numerical techniques. Current research is focused on sustainability-related topics, such as alternative materials, ageing and healing response of traditional and innovative binders and asphalt mixtures, rejuvenation and recycling techniques of asphalt mixtures and tire-pavement interaction. The section is equipped with state-of-the-art experimental and computational facilities. The powerful computational facilities enable us to develop advanced numerical models.

The Department of Engineering Structures focuses on the development of resilient, smart and sustainable structures and infrastructures. Our aim is to meet societal demands in transportation, the energy transition and sustainable reuse. Research themes include dynamics of structures, mechanics of materials related to climate change, modelling and design of railway systems, multi-scale modelling of pavement materials and structures, reuse of materials, structures and parts of structures, assessment methods for structures, smart monitoring techniques, design methods, replacement and renovation of civil infrastructure and development of new materials and maintenance techniques. Our unique Macro Mechanics Laboratory facilities support full-scale testing, monitoring and modelling of structures to facilitate implementation of innovations. The department delivers both groundbreaking research and world-class education for undergraduate and graduate students. As a team, we represent different backgrounds, skills and views. We foster an inclusive culture, as our combined identities, attitudes and ambitions widen our perspective and make up our strengths.

Job requirements

Need to have:

• MSc in pavement engineering, computer science, data engineering or a similar area.
• Demonstrable experience in data analyses linking (pavement) material properties to field performance and programming proficiency.
• English proficiency as specified at TU Delft PhD Admission

Nice to have:

• Demonstrable experience with writing scientific publications.
• Experience in presenting your work.
• Affinity with data analyses.
• Experience with literature studies.
• A preference for working in and with a multicultural and multi-disciplinary team (see TU Delft Code of Conduct for what you may expect from your colleagues and what is expected from you in return).

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.

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 €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.

Since the PhD is part of the KPE project, the position will be fulfilled only if mutual agreements among all the partners are reached contentwise. If this is the case, this position will start as soon as it is filled.

Additional information

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Kumar Anupam at K.Anupam@tudelft.nl.