PhD Position - High-resolution Reconstruction and Urban CFD Simulations

Job Description

The 3D Geoinformation research group is looking for a PhD to work in the intradisciplanary project UrbanAIR.

You will explore the reconstruction of urban environments tailored for CFD simulations (low-high fidelity). The work includes both reconstruction and simulation running experiences.

The last decades there has been a growing interest in urban flows, linked to an increase attraction to the adaptation of the urban environment towards climate change. Some contributions have focused on evaluating the impact of urban layouts on airflows, specifically looking at wind, heat and pollution dispersion. In this position, you will explore techniques (that combine low and high-fidelity CFD simulations) to improve numerical predictions in urban environments, specifically addressing uncertainties related to atmospheric stratification, geometry simplification and changing inflow conditions.

The 3D Geoinformation research group, Section Urban Data Science has an open 4-year position PhD position to specifically address the project tasks:

• Tailor urban reconstruction, including vegetation, for multiple CFD codes (low/high fidelity).
• Explore the impact of atmospheric stratification for urban flow simulations considering RANS methodologies, with the aim to develop an uncertainty quantification framework that can account for such variations.

Our research group focuses on the technologies underpinning geographical information systems (GIS), and aims at designing, developing, and implementing better systems to model 3D cities, buildings and landscapes. We are a multidisciplinary group of around 25 people, including computer scientists, geomatics engineers, and geographers; 6 of them are tenured staff (1 professor, 2 associate-professors, and 3 assistant-professors). It has a history of successful collaborations with the industry and the government: its research has led to open source software and standards for the management and use of 3D geo-data. For more information please go to 3d.bk.tudelft.nl.

Requirements

• Holds an MSc degree (or almost completed) in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, geoinformatics/geomatics, computer science, applied mathematics, or in a related engineering discipline.
• Has experience in computational fluid dynamics, machine learning, 3D modelling, preferably from a programming perspective.
• Has good software development skills. Experience with C++ is beneficial.
• Has excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Has an affinity with working in multi‐disciplinary teams in an international oriented environment.

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.

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 Architecture & the Built Environment

The Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment has a leading role in education and research worldwide. The driving force behind the faculty’s success is its robust research profile combined with the energy and creativity of its student body and academic community. It is buzzing with energy from early in the morning until late at night, with four thousand people studying, working, designing, conducting research and acquiring and disseminating knowledge. Our faculty has a strong focus on 'design-oriented research’, which has given it a top position in world rankings.

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

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 € 2872 per month in the first year to € 3670 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.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.