The new AI lab on 3D Understanding (3DUU) initiated by the 3D Geoinformation Research Group and the Intelligent Vehicles Group is one of the Delft Artificial Intelligence Labs (DAI-Labs). It is a cross-disciplinary research lab seeking to develop state-of-the-art AI techniques for interpreting 3D data and reconstructing 3D objects for large-scale urban applications. In this PhD project you will be working on solving exciting and challenging 3D modelling problems by developing and applying AI technologies. Specifically, this project aims to develop robust and efficient AI-based methods to automatically identify, analyze, process, and model complex 3D objects (e.g., buildings, trees) in the urban environment. The host research group - 3D Geoinformation Research Group - is part of the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment at TU Delft and focuses on the technologies underpinning geographical information systems (GIS). It aims to design, develop, and implement better systems to model 3D cities, buildings, and landscapes. It is a multidisciplinary group of approximately 20 people, including computer scientists, geomatics engineers, and geographers. It has a history of successful collaborations with industry and the government, with research that has led to open source software, standards, and patents for the management of 3D geographic information.

Department
3DUU is a Delft Artificial Intelligence Lab (DAI-Lab). Artificial intelligence, data, and digitalization are becoming increasingly important when looking for answers to major scientific and societal challenges. In a DAI-lab, experts in ‘the fundamentals of AI technology’ along with experts in ‘AI challenges’ run a shared lab. As a PhD, you will work with at least two academic members of staff and three other PhD candidates. In total, TU Delft will establish 24 DAI-Labs where 48 Tenure Trackers and 96 PhD candidates will have the opportunity to push the boundaries of science by using AI. Each team is driven by research questions that arise from scientific and societal challenges and contribute to the development and execution of domain-specific education. Instead of the usual 4-year contract, you will receive a 5-year contract. Approximately a fifth of your time will be allocated to developing ground breaking learning materials and educating students in these new subjects. The experience you will gain by teaching will be invaluable for future career prospects. All team members have many opportunities for self-development. You will be a member of the thriving DAI-Lab community that fosters cross-fertilization between talents with different expertise and disciplines.

• Completed an MSc degree in computer science, applied mathematics, or in a related discipline relevant to the PhD topic;
• Strong interests and expertise in machine learning (in particular deep learning), 3D modelling and/or geometry processing, preferably with a strong publication record;
• An affinity with teaching and guiding students;
• Excellent C++ and/or Python programming skills;
• The ability to work in a team, take initiative, be result oriented, organized and creative.
• Good command of verbal and written English.

Fixed-term contract: 5 years.

TU Delft offers DAI-Lab PhD-candidates a 5-year contract (as opposed to the normal 4-years), with an official go/no go progress assessment after one year. Approximately a fifth of your time will be allocated to developing ground breaking learning materials and educating students in these new subjects.
Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2395 per month in the first year to € 3217 in the fifth 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 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.

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 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.