PhD Postion Developing a Digital Twin for Soil Ecosystem Services in Amsterdam

Soil is a living system in which many processes useful to society already occur naturally. Better understanding of these processes lead to better management of the soil and the infrastructure lying on or in it. Because many of the processes are dynamic and highly dependent on the physical and chemical boundary conditions prevailing in the soil, it is important to understand and predict how these conditions change in time. This requires a fusion of measurements and models. In this project we will focus on the interplay between tree roots and urban infrastructure.
The ambition of this project is to create a 'digital twin' of the ecosystem services of the urban soil/subsoil in Amsterdam. Ecosystem services include: storing water in the unsaturated zone; draining water via groundwater; sequestering carbon; filtering and breaking down contaminants in groundwater; providing a growth environment for soilorganisms and plant roots; providing carrying capacity for infrastructure; providing biological activity for biological soil improvement; storing and supplying heat and cold. The digital twin is a tool that guides development of new infrastructure and maintenance of old infrastructure.
You will be based at the department of Geoscience & Engineering within the faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences in Delft. There will be a close working relationship with the AMS-institute in Amsterdam. The data and case-studies will be provided by the city of Amsterdam.       

Requirements:

As a recent graduate with an MSc degree, you're ready to harness your analytical skills and innate curiosity to create a more sustainable urban environment. We value all perspectives in our complex, trans-disciplinary team where you will team up with many stakeholders as we work together to make a lasting impact.
You also have:

• a MSc-degree in Geosciences, Environmental Sciences or Applied Physics;
• a strong back-ground in Programming and Software Engineering and Data Analysis;
• some experience with GIS systems;  

 
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. Ideally, you will also have some proficiency in Dutch. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Salary Benefits:

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 € 2770 per month in the first year to € 3539 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.

32 - 40 hours per week

Mekelweg 2