The 4TU programme HEat Robustness In relation To AGEing cities (HERITAGE) will develop a high-tech sensing and modelling system aiming at the detection, reduction and prevention of heat-stress associated with the ageing of the Dutch built environment. The researchers in this programme will follow a multi-disciplinary research ecosystem approach involving earth observation, urban hydro-meteorology and climatology, urban design and sustainable infrastructural energy systems. The collection of observations, developed models, results and related datasets are brought together in urban climate and 3D city models, which act as knowledge connectors between scientists and provide coherent, integrated, spatial and temporal high-quality solution information. The solutions will be developed and tested in our living labs: the cities of 4TU (Delft, Eindhoven, Enschede & Wageningen) as well as in Rotterdam and Amsterdam, where the HERITAGE team operates long-lasting observational networks.

We are looking for an enthusiastic Postdoc to lead the hydro-meteorological work package in this research programme. In particular, you are expected to advance our understanding of the role of precipitation in determining the heat budget of inner cities. Rainfall provides water for evaporative cooling from buildings, streets, vegetation and open water surfaces, but also affects the city's heat budget through cloud-, humidity- and albedo effects. By combining in situ and remotely sensed measurements of precipitation, evaporation, sensible heat, surface and groundwater storage as well as the moisture content of the urban fabric (incl. building facades and rooftops), the direct and indirect contributions of rainfall to the heat budgets of buildings, streets, neighbourhoods and cities will be elucidated. This is highly relevant given projected changing rainfall patterns and anticipated effects of counteracting measures such as green roofs.

You will join the vibrant Water Management department at TU Delft. The Water Resources section within this department focuses on drought, precipitation, floods and how water behaves in the atmosphere and beneath or on the Earth's surface.

The candidate we are looking for has:

• A completed PhD in hydrology, atmospheric sciences, (environmental) physics, (civil) engineering or related field.
• Affinity with experimental (field) research as well as with the application of remote sensing in the field of hydro(meteoro)logy and water management.
• Strong quantitative (programming), experimental (design) and communication skills (written and oral) are a prerequisite.
• Affinity with teaching and working with (BSc and MSc) students.

Fixed-term contract: 30 months.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. 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 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 as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

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.