The Europe’s Rail project IAM4RAIL works on integrated demonstrators for rail assets which are the focus of research and innovation in the rail sector. Integrating asset condition information obtained via advanced monitoring with decision-making tools and artificial intelligence are covered as a key topic for research in IAM4RAIL. TU Delft takes a leading role in IAM4RAIL with research into sensing solutions for track infrastructure monitoring.

Railway is the backbone of sustainable mobility. The section of Railway Engineering at the department of Engineering Structures within TU Delft's Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences deals with the physical assets of the railway system, including track, embankment, rolling stock and catenary, as well as the interfaces and dynamic interactions between them. The research, innovation, development and education of the section concern the whole life cycle of the assets, from design, construction, operation, degradation, monitoring, maintenance to retrofit, as well as the data-driven intelligent management of the assets, taking into consideration of the performance of the whole railway system. The section plays a leading role in the TU Delft Rail Institute (DelftRail) and in various European research programmes.

A key task for TU Delft in the IAM4RAIL project is the development of new sensing methodologies for and their applications to track structure condition assessment with multi-sensing wayside instrumentation (vibration, force, displacement, temperature and humidity) as well as train-borne devices.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will develop vibration-based measurement methods to identify and characterize conditions in the railway infrastructure, by way of numerical simulation and physical testing in the lab and field. You will work with a team of junior and senior researchers, including PhD candidates and professors, as well as engineers who will help with the practical aspects of the railway operation. The results will be used for track condition monitoring and maintenance decision.

The Department of Engineering Structures focuses on the development of resilient, smart and sustainable structures and infrastructures. Our aim is to meet societal demands in transportation, the energy transition and sustainable reuse. Research themes include dynamics of structures, mechanics of materials related to e.g. climate change, modelling and design of railway systems, multi-scale modelling of pavement materials and structures, reuse of materials, structures and parts of structures, assessment methods for structures, smart monitoring techniques, design methods, replacement and renovation of civil infrastructure and development of new materials and maintenance techniques. Our unique Macro Mechanics Laboratory facilities support full-scale testing, monitoring and modelling of structures to facilitate implementation of innovations. The department delivers both groundbreaking research and world-class education for undergraduate and graduate students. As a team, we represent different backgrounds, skills and views. We foster an inclusive culture, as our combined identities, attitudes and ambitions widen our perspective and make up our strengths..

We are looking for a candidate with a PhD degree in Mechanical, Civil, Geotechnical or Aerospace Engineering or a related field. Expert knowledge of railway dynamics and vibration and experience in finite element modelling, testing, measurement and signal processing are required.

You should have a high level of proficiency in written and spoken English, and very good communication skills. You are expected to cooperate with other members of the research team and external partners.

Fixed-term contract: 2 years.

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

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

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 availability, urbanisation and clean water. Our research projects are conducted in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced of the importance of open science 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.