Do you have a PhD in InSAR-Geodesy and are you interested in a postdoc position? Then this position is for you!
Job description
TU Delft invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position focused on the development and application of Instantaneous-State InSAR for monitoring the built environment. While InSAR readily produces large volumes of application-agnostic (“double-A”) deformation products, these are inherently ambiguous and sub-optimal for decision-making in specific applications. This project addresses the scientific and methodological challenge of converting InSAR observations and estimates into actionable, application-specific information.
The postdoc will investigate how choices in the smoothness-doublet, quality, selection, representativity, parameterization, and visualization affect the optimality of InSAR products for well-defined applications. A central theme is the role of geodetic expertise in designing and evaluating IS-InSAR networks after data acquisition, analogous to optimal network design in conventional geodesy.
Job requirements
The successful candidate will:
- Develop methodologies for transforming Instantaneous-State InSAR estimates into triple-A InSAR Information Products.
- Evaluate visualization strategies, parameterization choices, and quality control procedures to support actionable interpretation.
- Assess uncertainty, stochastic properties, and geodetic consistency of IS-InSAR-derived results, avoiding hard separation between product generation and interpretation.
- Link IS-InSAR products to a geodetic reference frame using dedicated IGRS infrastructure and advise on integration with other geodetic data sources.
- Process X-band InSAR data over a five-year hindcasting period using multiple viewing geometries, followed by near-real-time (NRT) updates for at least two years over Singapore.
- Perform complementary C-band InSAR processing to increase point density and revisit frequency.
- Support the installation and operation of at least two new IGRS stations.
- Implement and evaluate the TU Delft IS-InSAR anomaly detection method to identify points requiring special attention at each new epoch.
Candidate profile
Applicants should have a PhD in geodesy, geomatics, or a closely related discipline. Strong expertise in Instantaneous-State InSAR processing, geodetic theory, stochastic modeling, and deformation analysis is required. Experience with multi-sensor data integration, reference frames, and applied monitoring of the built environment is highly desirable. The candidate should be able to work independently while collaborating in an interdisciplinary research team.
Outcome and impact
This research will contribute to scientifically grounded, application-specific IS-InSAR products that support reliable interpretation and decision-making for infrastructure monitoring and geohazard assessment.
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
- Duration of contract is 2 years.
- A job of 36-40 hours per week.
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.
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? Apply via the application button below no later than 10 May 2026 and upload:
- Curriculum vitae
- Cover letter
You can address your application to Ramon Hanssen.
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.
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