Postdoc AI-enabled and Sensor-based Autonomous Material Identification

The construction sector is responsible for roughly 39% of global greenhouse gas emissions [Moschen-Schimek; Huber-Humer; 2023]. To achieve a sustainable and resilient society, it is crucial to comprehend the performance of existing built works and their potential for circularity at the end of their life cycles. Digitalization of the deconstruction process is an essential innovation for the effective multi-cycle management of components to reduce Construction and Demolition waste (C&DW) and emissions.
Technologies applying optical, NIR, and elemental analysis sensors (e.g., LIBS-based) assisted by AI can effectively and selectively identify building components and material in situ and help assess the amount and value of the building being deconstructed objectively and automatedly.
The Horizon Europe project DISCOVER involves 14 partners with researchers from universities, research centers, and industries, working closely to reach a common goal: to develop an autonomous, synchronous, continuous and intelligent identification and data analysis system for materials and product identification systems in end-of-life buildings. The target will be to achieve an objective and digitalized assessment of materials, products, and value embedded in the buildings that will be deconstructed.
The Resources and Recycling group at the Delft University of Technology is the partner of this project, developing innovative identification and sorting technologies like LIBS-based material identification systems.
Research in the Resources and Recycling group has a reputation for moving innovative physics into industrial reality, resulting in six spin-out companies to date. The project offers the opportunity for a new postdoc to join our team and work with innovative industries involved in the DISCOVER project.
The primary responsibilities of this position will include:

• Defining the specifications and scenarios for integrating and applying the identification system in collaboration with multiple partners.
• Developing AI algorithms that can autonomously identify various construction components using data from non-invasive sensors (e.g., RGB-D cameras, NIR, and LIDAR).
• Developing an invasive identification tool that has drilling capability and incorporates advanced sensors like LIBS.
• Integrating the identification tool with robots developed by other partners in the consortium and validating it in a controlled real environment.
• Communicate and meet with consortium partners for collaborative work on planned activities.
• Writing deliverables, including progress reports and reputable journal publications.

Requirements:

• Resources and Recycling group seeks an enthusiastic postdoc with a background in Applied Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Civil Engineering, or Automation/Electrical Engineering.
• Demonstrated experience in one or more aspects of (1) AI (in particular computer vision), (2) machine learning for data analysis, (3) sensor technologies (preferably for characterising material properties), (4) design and integration of mechanical/electrical devices
• Have the interests to develop the relevant needed techniques in this project actively.

Candidates should have excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information to diverse audiences, including academic and industry stakeholders, and to work independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary research team and adapt to changing project requirements and priorities. Hands-on experience in data analysis, image processing, and programming languages such as Python is an advantage..

Salary Benefits:

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. 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.

36 - 40 hours per week

Mekelweg 2