The postdoc Big spatial point cloud data processing is part of the nD-PointCloud team with partners: TU Delft, Deltares (Water management domain advisor) and Netherlands eScience Center (two eScience research software engineers: 1. Cluster/cloud computing engineer and 2. 3D Web graphics engineer). We want to make point clouds the primary representation of spatio-temporal features, throughout the whole processing chain: data acquisition, storage, analysis, visualization and dissemination. Today point clouds are mainly used in the data acquisition phase; gridded (raster) or object (vector) models are used in the other phases. Based on a novel use of high-resolution nD space filling curves this proposal will realize deep integration of space, time and scale as basis for data organization, and enable High Performance/Throughput Computing for enormous point clouds. By enabling operations directly on the raw point cloud data, nD-PointCloud realises major advances in domains requiring lossless spatio-temporal data of extremely high accuracy. A distributed Open Point Cloud Map (OPCM) infrastructure will be developed that supports data sharing of big data nD-PointCloud and enables interactive real-time visualization using perspective views without data density shocks, continuous zoom-in/out and progressive data streaming between server and client. Applications from the domain of water management are used as Proof-of-Principle. If successful, nD-PointCloud will become the preferred model enabling progress in (research) fields like cultural heritage, land administration, vegetation monitoring, building modelling, transportation and mobility.

The tasks include:
- Develop the conceptual model and the theory required for the nD-PointClouds.
- Analyse and develop the nD-PointCloud data management technologies and associated functionality.
- Improves/extend the nD-PointCloud solution for BigData and these using. techniques/solutions from HPC/HTC to cope with the challenges of 3Vs, i.e. volume, variety, velocity.
- Contrinbute to the web-based visualization of and interaction with the nD-PointCloud.
- Contribute to the water management application as Proof-of-Principle of the nD-PointCloud approach. 

We expect the new postdoc to actively collaborate with the current staff and specifically the nD-PointClould project team, also including. The candidate should:

• hold a PhD degree from an internationally recognised institution in a field related to spatial data (databases, computer graphics, modelling, computational geometry, geomatics, geodesy, etc.).
• have both theoretic knowledge and practical experience.
• have excellent scientific skills, as demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications.
• have an affinity for applying research results to real-world problems; the ability to develop prototypes and software is an advantage.
• have prior experience in supervision of MSc students.
• have relevant communication skills and competence in written and spoken English.

Fixed-term contract: 3 jaar.

The 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.

Coming to Delft Service organizes diverse events for new international employees and their accompanying partners, like Partner Career Workshops and Dutch Culture Workshops. Located on campus are the International Children’s Centre and an international primary school which are subject to availability as well as several bilingual schools in the nearby surrounding. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.     

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 and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

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Faculty Architecture & the Built Environment

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