These 2 postdoc positions are aimed at research on energy analytics for buildings and their HVAC systems, using a mix of physical modelling and data-driven approaches to guarantee the optimal operation of indoor climate systems and related energy systems.

The focus is on mathematical system modelling and machine learning/AI methods for automated fault diagnosis in Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) and for digital building inspections.

The selected researchers will be part of the project Brains for Buildings (fault detection systems for large buildings), funded by The Netherlands Enterprise Agency and industrial partners. They will also collaborate with the IEEB-2 project, where digital twins are developed for fault detection and digital twinning in residential buildings. The postdocs will have a main role in further developing the needed ML/AI methods and implementing them in actual BEMS. They will collaborate closely with PhD-students and will supervise them.

The researchers will  support the group Building Energy Epidemiology in the section Environmental & Climate Design, Department Architectural Engineering and Technology, Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment. Depending on their area of interest different accents can be given to the research. Participation in education and in building a learning platform for professionals is expected too.

The duration of the appointment is 18 months for each of the positions. However, we are also willing to discuss the possibility for either a 1 or 2 year position. 

The successful candidate should hold a doctorate’s degree in the field of thermodynamics, energy and indoor climate systems for buildings, building performance simulation or systems engineering. Additionally, knowledge in data analytics, machine learning/AI and demonstrable experience in programming and modelling dynamic physical systems is expected. Good collaboration skills and strong interest in multidisciplinary research are required.    

Fixed-term contract: 1.5 years.

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 Architecture & the Built Environment

The Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment has a leading role in education and research worldwide. The driving force behind the faculty’s success is its robust research profile combined with the energy and creativity of its student body and academic community. It is buzzing with energy from early in the morning until late at night, with four thousand people studying, working, designing, conducting research and acquiring and disseminating knowledge. Our faculty has a strong focus on 'design-oriented research’, which has given it a top position in world rankings.

Staff and students are working to improve the built environment with the help of a broad set of disciplines, including architectural design, urban planning, building technology, social sciences, process management, and geo-information science. The faculty works closely with other faculties, universities, private parties, and the public sector, and has an extensive network in the Netherlands as well as internationally.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment.