PhD Position Stochastic Characterisation and Modelling of Embankment and Subsurface Using Data from Multiple Sources

Reliability-based design and assessment involves the propagation of uncertainty from the material/site level to the structure response level. If the uncertainty in material properties and site conditions can be reduced through increased knowledge, this reduces the uncertainty at the structure response level and this, in turn, generally leads to a reduction in over-conservatism in the design, assessment and mitigation of structures. The problem is that detailed material data, and site-specific data in particular, are often sparse, and the issue is compounded by the complex behaviour of (often soft) soils as well as the spatial variability of material layers and heterogeneity within layers.

This project aims to: (a) develop a probability-based framework for quantifying material properties and other site-specific characteristics (e.g. layering, spatial variability) using data derived from multiple sources (e.g. site investigation, geophysics, laboratory testing, monitoring, train-borne measurements, data assimilation, local/regional/global databases); (b) provide a means whereby the use of site-specific data can be optimised to increase site-specific knowledge; (c) provide a means of guiding cost-effective site investigation strategies; (d) provide a means of characterising sites for which few site-specific data are available.

The project focuses on data relating to railway embankments and in situ ground conditions in close proximity to railway embankments. It will be done in close collaboration with other projects within the research program RESET – “Reliable Embankments for the Safe Expansion of Rail Traffic” – a joint initiative between ProRail, Deltares and TU Delft.

We are looking for a candidate with an MSc degree in Civil Engineering, Geosciences, or a related field. The candidate should have a strong background in numerical modelling and statistics-based algorithms, and have a genuine interest and aptitude for the development, computer implementation and application of such methods. A knowledge of machine learning algorithms and soil mechanics would be an advantage. The candidate should have excellent computer programming skills, proficiency in verbal and written English, and experience with team-work.

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 .

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 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 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.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences.

Within the research program RESET, ProRail, Deltares, and TU Delft will work together to investigate the behaviour of moving trains on rail embankments, with special attention to increasing train frequency and trainloads and effects of climate change. TU Delft will recruit 8 PhD students and 2 postdocs to work in this research program. One PhD position is available on the stochastic characterisation and modelling of embankment and subsurface using data from multiple sources. This position will be within the Section of Geo-Engineering in the Department of Geoscience and Engineering.

For additional information (other than application procedure), please contact Prof. Michael Hicks, e-mail: [email protected] .  

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply before 12 September 2022 via the application button and upload your letter of motivation and CV, along with the names and contact details of 2 referees.

• You can only apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-Employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.

Reliability-based design and assessment involves the propagation of uncertainty from the material/site level to the structure response level. If the uncertainty in material properties and site conditions can be reduced through increased knowledge, this reduces the uncertainty at the structure response level and this, in turn, generally leads to a reduction in over-conservatism in the design, assessment and mitigation of structures. The problem is that detailed material data, and site-specific data in particular, are often sparse, and the issue is compounded by the complex behaviour of (often soft) soils as well as the spatial variability of material layers and heterogeneity within layers.

This project aims to: (a) develop a probability-based framework for quantifying material properties and other site-specific characteristics (e.g. layering, spatial variability) using data derived from multiple sources (e.g. site investigation, geophysics, laboratory testing, monitoring, train-borne measurements, data assimilation, local/regional/global databases); (b) provide a means whereby the use of site-specific data can be optimised to increase site-specific knowledge; (c) provide a means of guiding cost-effective site investigation strategies; (d) provide a means of characterising sites for which few site-specific data are available.

The project focuses on data relating to railway embankments and in situ ground conditions in close proximity to railway embankments. It will be done in close collaboration with other projects within the research program RESET – “Reliable Embankments for the Safe Expansion of Rail Traffic” – a joint initiative between ProRail, Deltares and TU Delft.

We are looking for a candidate with an MSc degree in Civil Engineering, Geosciences, or a related field. The candidate should have a strong background in numerical modelling and statistics-based algorithms, and have a genuine interest and aptitude for the development, computer implementation and application of such methods. A knowledge of machine learning algorithms and soil mechanics would be an advantage. The candidate should have excellent computer programming skills, proficiency in verbal and written English, and experience with team-work.

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 .

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 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 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.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences.

Within the research program RESET, ProRail, Deltares, and TU Delft will work together to investigate the behaviour of moving trains on rail embankments, with special attention to increasing train frequency and trainloads and effects of climate change. TU Delft will recruit 8 PhD students and 2 postdocs to work in this research program. One PhD position is available on the stochastic characterisation and modelling of embankment and subsurface using data from multiple sources. This position will be within the Section of Geo-Engineering in the Department of Geoscience and Engineering.

For additional information (other than application procedure), please contact Prof. Michael Hicks, e-mail: [email protected] .  

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply before 12 September 2022 via the application button and upload your letter of motivation and CV, along with the names and contact details of 2 referees.

• You can only apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-Employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.