Postdoc Data-Driven Concrete Mix Design, Properties Prediction, and Production Quality Control

Join TU Delft as a postdoc to revolutionize concrete production with AI. Help reduce energy consumption, costs, and carbon emissions. Apply now to advance sustainable construction!

The Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Department of Engineering Structures, is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to advance the application of AI/machine learning in the field of concrete engineering. The successful candidate will focus on predicting concrete strength properties, optimising mix designs, characterising materials, discovering new materials and ensuring production quality control. This research will utilise both laboratory and field data, facilitated by the implementation of advanced sensor systems.

The primary objective of the project is to deepen the understanding of the intricate relationships between raw material properties, mix proportions, processing conditions and the resulting engineering properties of concrete. This understanding will lead to significant improvements in process optimisation, reducing the need for large safety margins in mix design. Ultimately, the results of this research will help to reduce the energy consumption, costs and carbon emissions associated with concrete production. This role provides a unique opportunity to make a significant contribution to the field of sustainable construction through advanced data-driven methodologies.

Your main responsibility will be to carry out the postdoctoral project and conduct research in data-driven concrete science. You will have the opportunity to influence the details of the research according to the needs of the project, with the possibility of combining experimental work with modelling and working in close collaboration with industry. As a postdoc, you will be involved in teaching and supervising students in the department.

The project will be carried out at TU Delft in the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences (CEG) in collaboration with the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS). The position is located in the Concrete Structures Group within the Engineering Structures Department of the CEG.

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.

As a successful applicant, you will possess a strong knowledge of concrete structures and materials. We highly value candidates with skills in experimental work, data processing, and statistical analyses. Proficiency in using FEM software and advanced programming skills in Python will strengthen your recommendation. Experience with deep learning and machine learning packages is also desirable.

We seek individuals who are motivated to explore new research questions, master new skills, and embrace challenges. A suitable background includes a PhD degree in concrete structures, concrete materials, or an equivalent field. Alternatively, candidates with a PhD in computer science who have a strong interest in civil engineering applications will also be considered.

You are expected to work independently while receiving full support from your supervisor and colleagues within CEG and EEMCS. The ability to plan and organize your own work, collaborate in interdisciplinary teams, interact and conduct research with industry partners, and communicate your scientific results effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, is essential.

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 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.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Sandra Nunes, [email protected]

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 15 September 2024 via the application button and upload:

• Curriculum vitae.
• Cover/motivation letter explaining your interest and your qualifications for this position, a proposal on how you would approach the described problem and how your skills match the requirements (maximum two pages).
• MSc + PhD degree.
• 300 words abstract of your MSc and PhD thesis.
• Publication list.
• Two selected publications.
• Proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge).
• Contact details of two persons who can provide references.

Please note:

If your MSc and PhD diploma and transcript are not in Dutch, English, French or German and you will be the selected candidate, the TU Delft will ask you to deliver a certified translation in case you will be appointed.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-Employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.