Postdoc - High-Resolution Reconstruction and Urban CFD (UrbanAIR)

Explore techniques to improve numerical predictions in urban environments, addressing uncertainties related to atmospheric stratification, geometry simplification and changing inflow conditions.

Job description

The 3D Geoinformation is looking for a postdoc to work in the intradisciplanary project UrbanAIR. The postdoc 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, the researcher 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 postdoc position to specifically address the project tasks:

• Tailor urban reconstruction, including vegetation, for multiple CFD codes (low/high fidelity). 
• To 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.

The 3D geoinformation 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. It is a multidisciplinary group of around 25 people, including computer scientists, geomatics engineers, and geographers; 6 of them are tenured staff (1 professor, 2 associate-professor, and 3 assistant-professor). 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.

Job requirements

You:

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

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 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.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment.

Conditions of employment 

• Duration of contract is 3 years.
• A job of 38-40 hours per week. 

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. 

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.  

Additional information

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Clara García-Sánchez,
e-mail: C.Garcia-Sanchez@tudelft.nl.

For information about the application procedure, please contact Paulien Stastra, HR advisor,
e-mail: recruitment-BK@tudelft.nl.
 

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 27 april 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• Detailed CV - highlight examples of projects and/or achievements that demonstrate skills relevant to the advertised position.
• Motivation letter (no more than 600 words) addressing your interests and describing how your experience and plans fit with the position.
• Contact information for two references (letters not required at this stage).
• PhD thesis (if finished) and, if applicable, one or two notable publications you have co-authored.
• Undergraduate and graduate transcripts.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.
• Applying for an exemption for specific research and educational areas is an obligatory part of the selection procedure for this vacancy. This exemption must be obtained from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) before an employment contract is agreed upon. Click here for more information.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.