The challenge:
The H2020 project ICEBERG involves 35 partners with researchers from universities, research centres and industries, working closely together to reach a common goal: to design, develop, demonstrate and validate advanced technologies for the production of high-purity secondary raw materials through 6 circular case studies (CCS) across Europe, covering circularity of wood, concrete, mixed aggregate, plasterboard, glass, polymeric insulating foams and inorganic superinsulation materials. The Delft University of Technology has developed sensing technologies like Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) for continuously assessing the quality of the recycled mineral products to the level of a laboratory prototype. In ICEBERG, we aim to create an industrial methodology and implementation for determining the type of EOL concrete and detecting contaminant particles at very low concentrations in recycled mineral flows. This methodology will be fully integrated with a system that will collect real-time information on the quality of aggregates and their source while being processing aggregates. This information will be stored on the web-based database, where it is accessed by potential users/buyers.
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 post-doc to join our team and work together with innovative industries involved in the ICEBERG project.

The position:
The candidate’s research will be aimed at developing the methodology and complementary data analysis algorithm for online material identification. This research builds on preceding successful Ph.D. and Post Doc research in our group and will form a critical step to achieving industrial adaptation. To this end, the candidate should provide the know-how, data interpretation and process technology to allow for continuous and fast sensor measurements, which is required for on-site materials quality assessment and evaluation of the performance of large-scale concrete recycling processes.

Department:
The research focus of the department Engineering Structures is placed on the investigation and development of resilient, smart and sustainable structures and infrastructures as well as on the structures for energy transition. Within these main themes research is carried out into the dynamics of structures, mechanics of materials related to e.g. climate change, modelling and design of railway systems, multi-scale modelling of pavement materials and structures, reuse of materials, structures and parts of structures, assessment methods for structures, smart monitoring techniques, design methods, replacement and renovation of civil infrastructure and development of new materials and maintenance techniques. The groups are intensively using the unique Macro Mechanics Laboratory for full scale testing, monitoring and modelling of structures to facilitate fast implementation of innovations. The Department delivers a large number of courses both at the BSc and MSc level.

Resources and Recycling is a research group within the department Engineering Structures with strong links to the minerals processing and recycling industries. The group’s ambition is to create breakthroughs in recycling by applying fundamental science to innovative processes and implementing them in collaborations with industry. The ongoing research projects combine theoretical insights and modelling with experiments in the group’s laboratory and pilot plants.

Our group seeks an enthusiastic post-doc with a background in process technology and data analysis. The research involves building a set-up, performing experiments in the lab as well as in the field, and real-time data collection and analysis. The experimental part includes signal processing and mechanical process control. You are interested in the specific fields of physics to be studied and have a good comprehension of English, both spoken and written. Candidates should have an affinity for innovation and are willing to working in multidisciplinary teams. Knowledge of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy and/or NIR will be an advantage.

Fixed-term contract: 2 years.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (salary indication: €3389-€4274 per month). The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation. An International Children's Centre offers childcare and there is an international primary school.

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. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers both in business and in a social context. TU Delft offers 16 Bachelor’s and 32 Master’s programmes to more than 23,000 students. Our scientific staff consists of 3,500 staff members and 2,800 PhD candidates. Together we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty 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 feeds into our educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource depletion, urbanisation and the availability of clean water, conducted  in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced that Open Science helps to achieve our goals and supports its scientists in integrating Open Science in their research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in the following seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences.