We are looking for a post-doctoral researcher with expertise in ground imaging for the use of cross-over data extraction from various geophysical and geotechnical measurement techniques to be used for geotechnical purposes. The position is related to the understanding of soil conditions behind quay/canal walls in Amsterdam. The researcher will work under contract of TU Delft, in cooperation with Amsterdam Institute for Advance Metropolitan Studies (AMS). Workspace will be provided by AMS in Amsterdam and TU Delft combined (on an 80-20% basis). 

Historically and in present time the canal system is a vital element of the Amsterdam city infrastructure. It is part of the city’s DNA and is a dominant factor in the unique atmosphere of the inner city. The canal borders Amsterdam are vertical masonry walls with timber pile foundations. Due to their age and changed conditions, many quay walls are to be considered as sub-standard, and potentially unsafe. The potential task for the city of Amsterdam mitigating the unsafe situations with appropriate technical solutions is extremely large in terms of time and societal costs. AMS and TU Delft are involved in assisting the municipality of Amsterdam in order to make steps that provide a better view of the shallow subsurface conditions that these walls are in.

The successful candidate will contribute to the creation of an urban laboratory for application of known and new measurement techniques to characterize the unknown subsoil conditions. Advanced imaging technologies will be investigated, and possibilities of using those imaging technologies for data generation to classify structural reliability with the help of machine learning. One of the dominating unknowns in properly performing those calculations is the subsoil condition. Especially the composition of the top 3 meter of soils determines if and how the quay walls experience pressure caused by surface loads, by ground water variations etc.

In many cases the top layers of subsoil are not natural soil, but man-made soil, containing traces of city life, construction waste, or can be characterized as ‘engineered soil’. Accurate insight in soil conditions can contribute considerably to the ‘gap’ between calculated structural reliability and the actual strength of the structure. The successful candidate will create an overview and research set up on various existing measurement techniques that can be used for 3D subsoil mapping to improve the process of assessing structural reliability of historic quay walls. Furthermore, the derivation of soil parameters from the various sources with the help of machine learning is also part of the work.

The work described can, if successful, be extended to the actual performance in pilots in Amsterdam and their interpretation and to the larger scale after the first year.

The postdoc will work closely with external project partners and project team members in the TU Delft departments of hydraulic structures and geotechnics.

We aim to start the project as soon as possible.

The duration of the postdoc position is for one year (12 months), with a possible extension.

If you want to be a part of a unique team project in collaboration with AMS using the latest techniques to study a complex societal problem, and you fulfill the requirements below, please apply.

• PhD in Geotechnics, Geophysics, Monitoring, Data science, Geodesy or similar field;
• Affinity with shallow subsurface and geotechnical applications;
• Strong communication skills and interested in working in a dynamic environment with complex societal issues
• Ability to work independently, to critically assess own results and to cooperate within a wider research team;
• Excellent level of written and spoken English and preferably also Dutch.    

Fixed-term contract: one year, with a possible extension.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

Technische Universiteit Delft

Delft University of Technology (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. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

Faculty Civil Engineering and Geosciences

The Faculty of Civil Engineering and 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. The research covers global social issues and is closely connected to education as well as the work of a wide range of knowledge institutions. CEG is convinced that Open Science helps to realise these 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.

https://www.tudelft.nl/en/ceg/
https://www.ams-institute.org/urban-challenges/