Postdoc Digital Twin Development for Optimising Crossing Geometry Profiles

The successful candidate will contribute to the XCROSS project, which is part of an EU-funded international innovation program. This project involves collaboration with partners across Europe, focusing on the work package "Development of Advanced Digital Twin." This package aims to develop and validate numerical models for optimizing crossing geometry profiles, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of wheel-rail interactions, and ultimately contributing to better asset management in the railway sector.

Key Responsibilities:

• Digital Twin Development: Develop numerical models for fast simulation of wheel-rail interaction to be utilized in digital twin applications.
• Crossing Profile Optimization: Create optimization routines for crossing profiles using 3D scan inspection data, with the goal of maximizing the effectiveness of asset management interventions.
• Model Validation and Verification: Validate and verify the developed digital twins to ensure their accuracy and reliability in practical applications.
• Project Management: Take on project management responsibilities as part of the XCROSS consortium, coordinating with other researchers and stakeholders to ensure the successful progression of the project.

Railway is the backbone of sustainable mobility. The section of Railway Engineering 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, 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).

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.

 

Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Strong background in digital twin development and numerical simulation, preferably with experience in railway systems and switches and crossings.
• Experience with FEM and/or Multi-body software for railway dynamic simulations.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, or similar.
• Experience with 3D scanning technologies and data analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Experience in project management is an advantage

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.

From 1 September next, a salary increase of 3.7% applies due to a Collective Agreement amendment, followed by an additional 1% increase on 1 January 2025. In addition, most employees employed on 1 September 2024 will receive a one-off payment of €300 gross based on full-time employment.

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!

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.