Help solve a key challenge in weather forecasting: improve the representation of grass-covered surfaces to enhance predictions of surface temperature and energy fluxes.
Job description
As one of two PhD candidates on this project, you will help advance novel experimental and theoretical approaches to uncover the complex heat transfer dynamics over grass-like surfaces. Building on recent conceptual breakthroughs, the goal is to improve the physical representation of atmosphere-grass-soil interactions in weather forecasting models.
You will work closely with two supervisors - Dr. Ten Veldhuis (experimental expertise) and Dr. Van de Wiel (theoretical expertise) - and a dedicated technician. This team-oriented supervision approach has proven effective in previous projects, with weekly joint whiteboard sessions on Tuesday afternoons.
PhD 1 will focus on experimental fieldwork using Distributed Temperature Sensing and micro-meteorological instrumentation, along with data analysis and 1D modeling. PhD 2 will focus on 2D-3D modeling and implementation into operational forecasting models. Collaboration is foreseen with applied partners such as WHIFFLE and KNMI.
Job requirements
- You hold an MSc in atmospheric science, applied physics, or a related field, and have relevant project or thesis experience.
- You are enthusiastic about both modeling and field instrumentation.
- You enjoy interdisciplinary collaboration and value teamwork.
- You have a good command of written and spoken English.
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.
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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 € 2872 per month in the first year to € 3670 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 a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.
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Additional information
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Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than
8 July 2025