Postdoc Imaging with Synthetic Aperture Sonar on an Autonomous Surface Vessel

Change: automated and cheaper high-resolution synthetic aperture sonar.

Impact: safer, faster and cheaper energy transition.

The Dutch government has funded the Geowin consortium to investigate and enable more reliable and cheaper offshore windfarm development. For this, it is mandatory to assess the location’s geotechnical feasibility. This is conventionally done with classical geotechnical approaches like cone penetration tests, borehole investigations as well as high resolution seismic surveys to structurally image the near subsurface. Ground modelling is a critical step in offshore windfarm development as it provides essential insights to the seabed properties, allowing engineers to design reliable and cost-effective foundations for the wind turbines. With more accurate data on the soil properties and seabed loadings, windfarm developers can optimize dimensions, foundation depth, wall thickness and overall monopile design of the windmills. This will allow saving steel and installation costs. Moreover, detailed geotechnical surveys scan for geohazards and also assure that there are no pipelines, cables or other infrastructure in the way, including unexploded ordnances (UXOs), or other objects on or within the seafloor where the windfarm should be developed. Using current invasive geotechnical equipment, this is a costly and environmentally aggressive endeavour, which requires large vessels, massive and expensive equipment, and a lot of time.

This postdoc position is part of a project that aims at replacing the invasive approach with a non-invasive, more cost-efficient and environmentally friendly geophysics-based investigation of the geotechnically relevant near surface. This investigation approach is called the GeoWin method. The successful applicant will concentrate on the development of a simulator for Synthetic Aperture Sonar on an Autonomous Surface Vessel (SASV), which is a software package that synthesises a SASV experiment.

Objectives:

• Producing a unique map of the sea floor and detected targets;
• Removing ambiguity in the detected target positions in a simulated environment.

To achieve the objectives stated above we foresee the following activities:

• Familiarization with current geophysical acquisition and imaging techniques, in particular sonar;
• Familiarization with current hardware systems used for sonar;
• Development and coding of processing algorithms to image the ocean floor;
• Optimization of acquisition scenarios;
• Analysis of the expected resolution and uncertainties related to the proposed geophysical acquisition and imaging scenarios.

The successful applicant will hold a relevant PhD degree in applied geoscience and engineering, with background in applied geophysics. Strong numerical and programming skills for forward and inverse problems are a must. Moreover, the candidate should be a good communicator, have a broad interest and learn quickly. The candidate should also possess excellent writing and verbal communication skills in English.  

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 Deyan Draganov ([email protected] ) and Katrin Löer ([email protected] ).

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 26 January 2024 via the application button and upload:

• Motivation letter.
• Detailed CV.
• Names and contact information of at least two relevant references.
• Academic record.
• If possible, a master thesis (or other research during your master’s degree).

After the first selection, video interviews will be held on (date to be agreed).     

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.