The construction sector is responsible for roughly 39% of global greenhouse gas emissions [Moschen-Schimek; Huber-Humer; 2023]. To achieve a sustainable and resilient society, it is crucial to comprehend the performance of existing built works and their potential for circularity at the end of their life cycles. Digitalization of the deconstruction process is an essential innovation for the effective multi-cycle management of components to reduce Construction and Demolition waste (C&DW) and emissions.

Technologies applying optical, NIR, and elemental analysis sensors (e.g., LIBS-based) assisted by AI can effectively and selectively identify building components and material in situ and help assess the amount and value of the building being deconstructed objectively and automatedly.

The Horizon Europe project DISCOVER involves 14 partners with researchers from universities, research centers, and industries, working closely to reach a common goal: to develop an autonomous, synchronous, continuous and intelligent identification and data analysis system for materials and product identification systems in end-of-life buildings. The target will be to achieve an objective and digitalized assessment of materials, products, and value embedded in the buildings that will be deconstructed.

The Resources and Recycling group at the Delft University of Technology is the partner of this project, developing innovative identification and sorting technologies like LIBS-based material identification systems.

Research in the Resources and Recycling group has a reputation for moving innovative physics into industrial reality, resulting in six spin-out companies to date. The project offers the opportunity for a new postdoc to join our team and work with innovative industries involved in the DISCOVER project.

The primary responsibilities of this position will include:

• Defining the specifications and scenarios for integrating and applying the identification system in collaboration with multiple partners.
• Developing AI algorithms that can autonomously identify various construction components using data from non-invasive sensors (e.g., RGB-D cameras, NIR, and LIDAR).
• Developing an invasive identification tool that has drilling capability and incorporates advanced sensors like LIBS.
• Integrating the identification tool with robots developed by other partners in the consortium and validating it in a controlled real environment.
• Communicate and meet with consortium partners for collaborative work on planned activities.
• Writing deliverables, including progress reports and reputable journal publications.

• Resources and Recycling group seeks an enthusiastic postdoc with a background in Applied Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Civil Engineering, or Automation/Electrical Engineering.
• Demonstrated experience in one or more aspects of (1) AI (in particular computer vision), (2) machine learning for data analysis, (3) sensor technologies (preferably for characterising material properties), (4) design and integration of mechanical/electrical devices
• Have the interests to develop the relevant needed techniques in this project actively.

Candidates should have excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information to diverse audiences, including academic and industry stakeholders, and to work independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary research team and adapt to changing project requirements and priorities. Hands-on experience in data analysis, image processing, and programming languages such as Python is an advantage..

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.

The position will be based in the Resources and Recycling section in the Department of Engineering Structures.

The Resources and Recycling group is part of the department of Engineering Structures. The Department of Engineering Structures focuses on developing resilient, smart, sustainable structures and infrastructures. We aim 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 the implementation of innovations. The department delivers 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.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Yongli Wu Y.Wu-7@tudelft.nl and/or Dr. Francesco Di Maio, phone: +31 (0)15-2788148, e-mail: f.dimaio@tudelft.nl.