Looking for an impactful PhD opportunity in sustainable development?

The demand for mined products is rising due to population and economic growth and the push toward a green energy transition. This leads mining companies to extract and process large volumes of materials and the subsequent production of significant amounts of mine waste. The composition of this waste varies and could have environmental impacts, including soil and water pollution, ecosystem degradation, and posing a significant challenge to sustainable development. On the other hand, mine waste could be a source of raw materials such as Critical raw materials (CRMs), Rare earth elements (REEs), that can be recovered and reused, thus contributing to a circular economy and reducing the need for new extraction. The possible economic benefits and potential environmental consequences underscore the necessity of proactive and efficient management and monitoring of mine waste. An integrated approach, utilizing state-of-the-art sensor technologies and advanced data analytics, could be the key to addressing this challenge.

Are you passionate about making a difference in mine waste management, and striving to improve secondary recovery while minimizing environmental impact?

The Spatio-temporal characterization and modelling of mine waste systems is an important component of sustainable development, promoting the responsible use and management of natural resources while also contributing to economic development and social well-being.

This position presents an exceptional chance to investigate and leverage cutting-edge sensor technologies and advanced data analysis techniques for modelling and characterizing mine waste systems. You will utilize diverse sensor outputs in combination with machine learning approaches to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics in mine waste systems at multiple levels. Through an innovative integrated approach, you will combine various data sources to improve the modelling and understanding of the temporal and spatial evolution of mine waste sites. The research work entails collecting samples from test case sites, utilizing secondary data, and conducting data analysis.

As a doctoral candidate, you will collaborate closely with our team of specialists in the field of mine waste management and monitoring. Your research will play a crucial role in devising successful approaches for managing and monitoring mine waste, thereby contributing to resilient development and the transition to green energy.

If you have a strong desire to generate solutions for environmental and societal dilemmas, and are interested in this stimulating opportunity please read on.  

You have an MSc degree related to Geoinformatics. We also invite you to apply if you have a Geoscience or Environmental background with data analytics skills and knowledge.

Furthermore, we expect you to have knowledge in Geostatistics, Machine Learning, and Data Fusion techniques, encompassing the utilization of spatial and time series data. Preferably, previous exposure to sensor-based raw material characterization (e.g., satellite imagery, Raman, and/or infrared technologies) is desirable.

Obviously, you also know enough about relevant software and programming languages such as Python or R.

During your Phd, you will work with lots of colleagues both inside and outside of the department therefore have excellent verbal and written communication skills

We are seeking a candidate who is self-motivated, creative, and able to work independently, as well as collaborate with others in a team setting.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2541 per month in the first year to € 3247 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 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 & 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.

This PhD position is with the Resource Engineering section of Department of Geoscience & Engineering.