We are seeking a motivated and talented Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team for an exciting opportunity in the field of railway infrastructure.
Job description
The successful candidate will contribute to the XCROSS project, part of an EU-funded international innovation programme involving collaboration with partners across Europe. The position focuses on the work package “Development of Advanced Digital Twin,” with emphasis on developing surrogate models, machine-learning-based prediction tools, and optimization routines for railway crossing asset management applications.
Key Responsibilities:
- Surrogate Model Development: Develop fast surrogate models and machine-learning-based tools for wheel–rail interaction and crossing degradation prediction.
- Optimization and Data Processing: Create optimization routines for crossing geometry profiles using 3D scan inspection data to improve maintenance and asset management strategies.
- Programming and Tool Development: Develop and implement numerical and data-driven tools in Python for digital twin applications and engineering workflows.
- Model Validation and Integration: Validate developed models and integrate them into the XCROSS digital twin framework in collaboration with project partners.
Candidates should have demonstrated experience in machine learning, surrogate modelling, optimization, and Python programming, preferably with existing developed tools or relevant project experience.
The Department of Engineering Structures focuses on the development of resilient, smart and sustainable structures and infrastructures. Our aim is to meet societal demands in transportation, the energy transition and sustainable reuse. Research themes include dynamics of structures, mechanics of materials related to e.g. climate change, modelling and design of railway systems, multi-scale modelling of pavement materials and structures, reuse of materials, structures and parts of structures, assessment methods for structures, smart monitoring techniques, design methods, replacement and renovation of civil infrastructure and development of new materials and maintenance techniques. Our unique Macro Mechanics Laboratory facilities support full-scale testing, monitoring and modelling of structures to facilitate implementation of innovations. The department delivers both groundbreaking research and world-class education for undergraduate and graduate students. As a team, we represent different backgrounds, skills and views. We foster an inclusive culture, as our combined identities, attitudes and ambitions widen our perspective and make up our strengths.
Railway is the backbone of sustainable mobility. The section of Railway Engineering deals with the physical assets of the railway system, including track, embankment, rolling stock and catenary, as well as the interfaces and dynamic interactions between them. The research, innovation, development and education of the section concern the whole life cycle of the assets, from design, construction, degradation, monitoring, maintenance to retrofit, as well as the data-driven intelligent management of the assets, taking into consideration the performance of the whole railway system. The section plays a leading role in the TU Delft Rail Institute (DelftRail).
Job requirements
- A Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related field.
- Strong background in surrogate modlling and digital twin development and numerical simulation.
- Experience with FEM and/or Multi-body software for dynamic simulations is preferrable.
- Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, or similar.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
- Experience in project management is an advantage.
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.
& Geosciences.
Conditions of employment
- Maximum duration of contrtact is 10 months with a fixed end date of 31 March 2027 as this will be the end date of the overall project. We will strive to start the appointment as soon as possible after selection, taking into account the selection period and the required (legal) and administrative appointment procedures.
- 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 Dr. Valeri Markine, e-mail: [email protected].
#EUfunded This is an EU funded project, named XCROSS with project number 101178744 within program HORIZON-ER-JU-2023-EXPLR-04.
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Apply via the application button below no later than 21 June 2026 and upload:
- CV.
- Cover/motivation letter explaining your interest and your qualifications for this position, a proposal on how you would approach the described problem and how your skills match the requirements.
- MSc + PhD degree.
- 300 words abstract of your MSc and PhD thesis.
- publication list.
- two selected publications.
- proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge).
If your MSc and PhD diploma and transcript are not in Dutch, English, French or German and you will be the selected candidate, the TU Delft will ask you to deliver a certified translation in case you will be appointed.
For information about the application procedure, please contact our secretariat [email protected].
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.
