Are you recently graduated in a radar topic and are you interested in a PhD position? Then this position is for you!
Job description
We invite applications for a fully funded PhD position focusing on advanced geodetic monitoring of surface deformation in regions affected by underground gas storage (UGS) and subsurface energy operations. The PhD project is embedded in a long-term research initiative led by TU Delft, in close collaboration with industrial and governmental stakeholders, addressing societal concerns related to land subsidence, uplift, and structural safety in the Grijpskerk, Norg, and Schoonebeek regions.
The goal of the project is to develop and operate a tailored, near-real-time geodetic monitoring approach that provides reliable, transparent, and interpretable 3D surface displacement estimates. The research will focus on monitoring complex, superposed deformation signals caused by deep subsurface processes (gas storage, production, and injection) and shallow processes (soil compaction, groundwater dynamics), using satellite radar interferometry (InSAR) integrated with GNSS and airborne laser scanning.
The PhD candidate will:
- Develop a recursive, dynamic monitoring strategy for near-continuous 3D surface displacement estimation using multi-track Sentinel-1 (C-band) and NISAR (L-band) data.
- Implement and extend dynamic InSAR processing workflows for near-real-time analysis, including quality control and anomaly detection.
- Improve georeferencing and interpretation of InSAR point and distributed scatterers, linking results to buildings, parcels, and land-use information.
- Disentangle contributing deformation mechanisms, including autonomous object motion, shallow soil processes, and deformation related to subsurface injection and production.
- Derive secondary deformation parameters such as strain, tilt, and curvature, and assess their relevance for infrastructure and building safety.
- Contribute to scientific publications, stakeholder reporting, and transparent communication of results.
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with:
- A Master’s degree in Geodesy, Geomatics, Geophysics, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
- Strong interest in InSAR, geodetic data analysis, and dynamic estimation methods.
- Programming skills in Python and affinity with large geospatial datasets.
- Interest in interdisciplinary research at the interface of geoscience, engineering, and societal impact.
- Good communication skills and willingness to collaborate with academic and non-academic partners.
What we offer:
- A 4-year PhD position starting as soon as possible.
- Supervision by an experienced multidisciplinary team at TU Delft.
- Access to state-of-the-art InSAR processing infrastructure and unique real-world datasets.
- An inspiring research environment with strong links to industry, authorities and local stakeholders.
Job requirements
- Master's degree in Earth sciences, physics, applied mathematics, engineering, computer science or related discipline.
- Demonstrated interest in climate, oceanography, atmospheric science, or the cryosphere.
- Prior programming experience (e.g. Python, Matlab, C).
- Good organizational and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently as well as within a team.
- Good command of written and spoken English.
TU Delft (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 of 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 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.
Conditions of employment
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 €2901 - €3707 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
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 a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.
Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.
Additional information
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Ramon Hanssen r.f.hanssen@tudelft.nl.
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 11 February 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:
You can address your application to Ramon Hanssen.
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.
Please note:
- You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
- As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
- Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.
