Ice loss of the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets is one of the major sources of current sea level rise and their contribution is expected to increase in the coming decades. Estimates of their total mass loss based on different satellite observations show a good agreement, but when considering regional changes, significant differences are noticed. This is partly due to the different way of measuring the ice sheets. The GRACE/GRACE-FO gravimetry satellites measure mass changes directly, but have a low spatial resolution and are sensitive to mass redistribution outside the ice sheets, among others in the solid earth (glacial isostatic adjustment – GIA). Altimeter satellites - for example CryoSat-2 and ICESat-2 - provide a much higher spatial resolution, but measure elevation changes, which then need to be converted to mass changes, which comes with its own uncertainties.

In this project, you will combine the complementary strengths of gravimetry and altimetry, exploiting their differences in spectral and process characteristics in a statistical framework informed by a-priori information from, e.g., surface mass balance models, ice flow velocity models, and GIA models. The ultimate goal of your work is to provide regional estimates of mass changes of the ice sheet together with a robust uncertainty assessment; separate the contribution of ice dynamics and surface processes such as snowfall and melt; and identify temporal variations in these processes through a state-space approach.

This position is a part of the larger 'Dutch Polar Climate and Cryosphere Change Consortium' project, funded by the NWO Netherlands Polar Programme. Your results will provide essential input for estimates of relative sea level change and for validation of ice sheet model development efforts within the consortium.

We aim to start the project early 2021. During the project you will be supervised by a team of TU Delft experts and interact with project partners at Utrecht University, the Netherlands Royal Meteorological Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research. In addition to an exciting research project and a friendly and stimulating work environment, we can offer you a generous funds for scientific travel.     

need-to-haves:

• MSc in Geodesy, Aerospace Engineering, Remotes Sensing, Statistics or related fields.
• A solid background in (Bayesian) statistics.
• Strong programming skills and experience in development of data processing algorithms.
• Good reporting and presentation skills.
• Very good level of written and spoken English (for non-native English speakers: TOEFL-score > 100 or IELTS > 7).
• Ability to work independently and to critically assess own results.

nice-to-haves:

• Affinity with ice sheet processes.
• Experience with satellite altimetry and/or GRACE gravimetry.
• Experience in handling large data sets and parallel computing, high performance computing or cloud computing. 

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

TU Delft offers PhD-candidates a 4-year contract, with an official go/no go progress assessment after one year. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2395 per month in the first year to € 3061 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts 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.

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.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Civil Engineering & 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.

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