Postdoc in Geodesy

TU Delft invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position focused on the development and application of Instantaneous-State InSAR for monitoring the built environment.

While InSAR readily produces large volumes of application-agnostic (“double-A”) deformation products, these are inherently ambiguous and sub-optimal for decision-making in specific applications. This project addresses the scientific and methodological challenge of converting InSAR observations and estimates into actionable, application-specific information.

The postdoc will investigate how choices in the smoothness-doublet, quality, selection, representativity, parameterization, and visualization affect the optimality of InSAR products for well-defined applications. A central theme is the role of geodetic expertise in designing and evaluating IS-InSAR networks after data acquisition, analogous to optimal network design in conventional geodesy.

Job requirements

The successful candidate will:

• Develop methodologies for transforming Instantaneous-State InSAR estimates into triple-A InSAR Information Products.
• Evaluate visualization strategies, parameterization choices, and quality control procedures to support actionable interpretation.
• Assess uncertainty, stochastic properties, and geodetic consistency of IS-InSAR-derived results, avoiding hard separation between product generation and interpretation.
• Link IS-InSAR products to a geodetic reference frame using dedicated IGRS infrastructure and advise on integration with other geodetic data sources.
• Process X-band InSAR data over a five-year hindcasting period using multiple viewing geometries, followed by near-real-time (NRT) updates for at least two years over Singapore.
• Perform complementary C-band InSAR processing to increase point density and revisit frequency.
• Support the installation and operation of at least two new IGRS stations.
• Implement and evaluate the TU Delft IS-InSAR anomaly detection method to identify points requiring special attention at each new epoch.

Candidate profile

Applicants should have a PhD in geodesy, geomatics, or a closely related discipline. Strong expertise in Instantaneous-State InSAR processing, geodetic theory, stochastic modeling, and deformation analysis is required. Experience with multi-sensor data integration, reference frames, and applied monitoring of the built environment is highly desirable. The candidate should be able to work independently while collaborating in an interdisciplinary research team.

Outcome and impact

This research will contribute to scientifically grounded, application-specific IS-InSAR products that support reliable interpretation and decision-making for infrastructure monitoring and geohazard assessment.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society.

Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences

The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) conducts international research and education in civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Research is carried out in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions.