PhD Position in Geodesy

Are you recently graduated in a radar topic and are you interested in a PhD position? Then this position is for you!

PhD Position in Geodesy

Job description

We invite applications for a fully funded PhD position focusing on advanced geodetic monitoring of surface deformation in regions affected by underground gas storage (UGS) and subsurface energy operations. The PhD project is embedded in a long-term research initiative led by TU Delft, in close collaboration with industrial and governmental stakeholders, addressing societal concerns related to land subsidence, uplift, and structural safety in the Grijpskerk, Norg, and Schoonebeek regions.

The goal of the project is to develop and operate a tailored, near-real-time geodetic monitoring approach that provides reliable, transparent, and interpretable 3D surface displacement estimates. The research will focus on monitoring complex, superposed deformation signals caused by deep subsurface processes (gas storage, production, and injection) and shallow processes (soil compaction, groundwater dynamics), using satellite radar interferometry (InSAR) integrated with GNSS and airborne laser scanning.

The PhD candidate will:

• Develop a recursive, dynamic monitoring strategy for near-continuous 3D surface displacement estimation using multi-track Sentinel-1 (C-band) and NISAR (L-band) data.
• Implement and extend dynamic InSAR processing workflows for near-real-time analysis, including quality control and anomaly detection.
• Improve georeferencing and interpretation of InSAR point and distributed scatterers, linking results to buildings, parcels, and land-use information.
• Disentangle contributing deformation mechanisms, including autonomous object motion, shallow soil processes, and deformation related to subsurface injection and production.
• Derive secondary deformation parameters such as strain, tilt, and curvature, and assess their relevance for infrastructure and building safety.
• Contribute to scientific publications, stakeholder reporting, and transparent communication of results.

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with:

• A Master’s degree in Geodesy, Geomatics, Geophysics, Civil Engineering, or a related field (or a related discipline such as Earth sciences, physics, applied mathematics, engineering, or computer science).
• Strong interest in InSAR, geodetic data analysis, and dynamic estimation methods.
• Prior programming experience (e.g. Python, Matlab, C) and affinity with large geospatial datasets.
• Interest in interdisciplinary research at the interface of geoscience, engineering, and societal impact.
• Good organizational and communication skills, willingness to collaborate with academic and non-academic partners, and ability to work independently as well as within a team.
• Good command of written and spoken English.

What we offer

• A 4-year PhD position starting as soon as possible.
• Supervision by an experienced multidisciplinary team at TU Delft.
• Access to state-of-the-art InSAR processing infrastructure and unique real-world datasets.
• An inspiring research environment with strong links to industry, authorities and local stakeholders.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology 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.

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 projects are conducted in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions, and the faculty supports open science in research practice.

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.

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.