Postdoc Artificial Intelligence and Data Science for Urban Water Infrastructure

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Job description

The Department of Water Management is actively looking for an ambitious and enthusiastic Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the field of Urban Water Infrastructure (UWI), with a focus on water digitalisation, data science and applied artificial intelligence (AI). The successful candidate will join the UWI group led by Prof. Zoran Kapelan and will be embedded in the AidroLab, TU Delft AI lab for research in sustainable water management, co-directed by Dr Riccardo Taormina. 

The successful candidate is expected to contribute to research, education and other activities in the UWI group and the Department, starting in December 2021/January 2022.

The key job responsibilities include:

• Research: Delivering high quality, internationally leading research in the field of urban water infrastructure, data science and applied AI. The potential research areas include but are not limited to advanced data analytics for smart water systems, development of AI and machine learning based models for urban water networks, adaptation of urban water systems to climate change, anomaly detection in water and wastewater systems and processes, asset management and cybersecurity of water (industrial) IoT systems.
• Education: Supporting the UWI group and Department in the development and delivery of undergraduate and, especially, postgraduate taught courses, with a focus on Urban Water Infrastructure, Data Science and applied Artificial Intelligence. Supervising MSc and BSc students, preparing and assessing student projects, assignments, and exam papers.

Requirements

The successful candidate needs to have:

• A PhD or equivalent degree in applied artificial intelligence, computer science, civil engineering or related disciplines.
• Strong expertise in AI-related techniques such as (but not limited to) Deep Learning, Graph Neural Networks, Bayesian Methods and Probabilistic Machine Learning.
• Proven ability to deliver high quality research as evidenced in the publications record and otherwise.
• Strong independence, teamwork skills and a proactive attitude to work. 
• Capacity to communicate effectively with peers, students, and external partners.
• Good understanding of the higher education environment, including diversity and inclusion values.

Preference will be given to candidates who have:

• Experience with AI-related applications in the water / wastewater sector including (but not limited) to drinking water distribution systems and urban drainage / wastewater systems.
• Obtained (or contributed to obtaining) funding for research projects.
• Experience in supervising students and teaching.
• Excellent software programming skills (Python preferred).
• Experience related to the digitalisation of critical infrastructure and the industrial internet of things, e.g., digital twinning, anomaly detection, cybersecurity.

Conditions of employment

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.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creatorsof 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 and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Civil Engineering and 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 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.

Additional information

For information about this vacancy, you can contact Dr Riccardo Taormina, Co-Director of AidroLab, email: [email protected], or Prof Zoran Kapelan, Chair in Urban Water Infrastructure, email: [email protected], tel: +31 (0)15 2788578.

Application procedure

Interested applicants should apply before October 1, 2021 via the application button and upload:

• Motivation letter explaining why you are the right candidate for the position (max. 2 pages)
• CV including publication record (max 5 pages).
• Abstract of the PhD thesis.
• Study transcripts.
• The names and contact addresses of three references.

Please note:

• You can only apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and / or post.
• Incomplete applications will not be processed.
• A pre-Employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• Applications from employment agencies are not appreciated.