The PhD position is part of the EU-funded project TWIGA that aims at developing innovative, low-cost, in-situ sensors to provide currently unavailable geo-information on weather, water and climate for sub-Saharan Africa.

The main task of the candidate in this project will be to develop a low-cost sensor that derives moisture status of the soil from the relative abundance of fast neutrons in the lower atmosphere, and to test the sensor under lab conditions (controlled neutron beam) and in a field lab in Africa. International travel and collaboration with project partners in Africa will be expected. The applicant will be encouraged to explore other opportunities and sensor principles and to contribute to meetings with the international TWIGA team.

The candidate is expected to publish her/his research in scientific journals and conferences. 

We are looking for a candidate with an MSc degree in Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering or an equivalent degree, with an affinity for sensor electronics, optics, and embedded systems.

The candidate should be capable of performing independent research and working in a team on research projects. The researcher should have an open personality and good English language skills to closely cooperate with colleagues and students.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

The TU Delft offers an attractive, customisable compensation and benefits package, including a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers day care, before- and after-school care and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit www.tudelft.nl/phd for more information.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology (the TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. The TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At the TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. The TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

https://www.tudelft.nl

Faculty Civil Engineering and Geosciences

The Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences of Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) provides leading international research and education, with innovation and sustainability as central themes. Research and education are closely interwoven and address societal challenges. The Faculty consists of the departments of Transport and Planning, Structural Engineering, Geoscience and Engineering, Water Management, Hydraulic Engineering, and Geoscience and Remote Sensing.

The Water Resources section provides research and education in all aspects of water resources management. A large part of the research is conducted with societal and business partners involved and in close collaboration with international research institutes. The section has a strong profile in interdisciplinary collaboration with atmospheric sciences, applied mathematics, and electrical engineering.

https://www.tudelft.nl/en/ceg/