PhD Position Extended Target Tracking & Classification with Phased Array Radar

PhD Position Extended Target Tracking & Classification with Phased Array Radar

Join us as a PhD researcher in this prestigious project, leading the way in the development and implementation of state-of-the-art phased array technology for remote sensing applications! Your research will improve weather prediction and help civilization to adjust to the climate change. 🌍

Job description

Climate change is a pressing issue that can drastically affect the ecosystem. Understanding the changes in weather in different parts of the globe is one of the significant steps that should be taken to address the issue of climate change. While the large-scale challenges are critical, focusing on local challenges driven by climate change requires immediate action. One such local challenge is the impact of severe precipitation events. These events affect many sectors, from agriculture to urban infrastructure, but a particularly critical area is aviation safety. Unpredictable and intense precipitation, such as heavy rain or snow, can disrupt flight operations and pose serious risks.

Radar technology has proven indispensable in detecting, tracking, and classifying severe precipitation events. It provides high-resolution data that is crucial for identifying and predicting severe weather. However, significant challenges remain, especially in accurately classifying precipitation types, detecting fast-evolving weather patterns, and optimizing radar systems for real-time response. This project addresses these challenges by improving radar-based detection and tracking methods using multiple beams simultaneously generated by the phased array radar PHARA.

The intended scientific breakthrough is to derive, implement, and validate a new type of rain classification algorithms which benefit from modern phased array technology.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth research on precipitation sensing with radar, staying abreast of the latest advancements and breakthroughs in the field.
• Extend existing simulator for precipitation sensing with a single beam radar to multi-beam radar and with its help study and compare performances of different beam topologies on precipitation characterization.
• Design new parameter extraction algorithms to satisfy project requirements.
• Verify theoretical results experimentally by PHARA radar.
• Contribute to the scientific community knowledge through high-quality publications.
• Collaborate with industry partners, academic institutions, and research organizations to stay connected with the latest developments and foster collaborative opportunities.
• Prepare and defend the Ph.D. thesis, which summarizes the results of the research.

Microwave Sensing, Signals and Systems

The Microwave Sensing, Signals and Systems (MS3) group is part of Department of Microelectronics, within the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, and Computer Science (EEMCS). MS3 specializes in research and education at the cutting edge of microwave systems, focusing on both fundamental and applied research. Leveraging electromagnetics as a core foundation, MS3’s work spans applications in safety, environmental monitoring, automotive radar and healthcare technologies. As part of MS3, you’ll collaborate within a multidisciplinary team of researchers, including high regarded Professors in microwave and radar technology. MS3 Research Facilities include Europe-leading laboratories with sophisticated radar setups like the PARSAX and MESEWI systems, and state-of-the-art equipment for indoor and outdoor sensing experiments. This robust infrastructure enables students and researchers to pioneer solutions for real-world challenges in radar and microwave sensing.

Beyond technical training, MS3 encourages a collaborative research environment, promoting innovation in radar applications while fostering development through access to conferences and professional networking opportunities.

Job requirements

• MSc degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field
• Strong background in signal processing and estimation theory. Background in remote sensing with electromagnetic waves is appreciated.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or MATLAB. Experience with simulation tools and software for electromagnetic analysis is appreciated.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.

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.

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 Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

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.

Additional information

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Prof.dr. Alexander Yarovoy, Chairman of MS3., via a.yarovoy@tudelft.nl.