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
Grass-covered land surfaces play a vital role in regulating heat and moisture exchange between the land and atmosphere, yet they remain one of the most underrepresented elements in weather forecasting models. In this PhD project you will help advance novel experimental and theoretical approaches to uncover the complex heat and moisture 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 for more sustainable land and water resources management in the face of climate change. You will work closely with two supervisors - Marie-Claire ten Veldhuis (experimental expertise) and Bas 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.
Your research will focus on experimental fieldwork, designing new measurement setups using Distributed Temperature Sensing configurations and micro-meteorological instrumentation, along with data analysis and conceptual modeling. You will collaborate closely with the 2nd PhD candidate in the project who will focus on 2D-3D numerical modeling and implementation into operational forecasting models. Collaboration is foreseen with industry/public partners such as WHIFFLE and KNMI.
You will be hosted by the Water Management Department in the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences at TU Delft. As part of our diverse and dedicated team of professors, lecturers, PhD and postdoc researchers, you will have the opportunity to work closely with leading experts and industry partners at the national and international level. Our unique facilities provide an ideal environment for experimental research and innovation. Here, you will receive all the support and coaching you need to develop further your career.
Job requirements
- You hold an MSc in atmospheric science, applied physics, or a related field, and have proven relevant project or thesis experience in experimental field work.
- You are a team player and enjoy interdisciplinary collaboration.
- You have a 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.
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 € 3059 per month in the first year to € 3881 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.
Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact dr. Marie-Claire ten Veldhuis, e-mail: .
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than
21 September 2025
via the application button and upload the following documents:- CV
- Motivational letter
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
Het salaris bedraagt €3059 - €3881