Delft University of Technology
One step in the drinking water treatment process consists of filtering water through sand. Filtration quality is a topic of great interest for waterworks. At present, however, there is no clear understanding of how filters perform and evolve over time. For optimal design, operation and maintenance, insight is needed into filter structure and composition, but there are currently no tools that provide this insight efficiently.
In contrast, many techniques and applications exist in the field of hydroacoustics where sediment parameters such as density, porosity and grain size are determined using acoustic waves. This projects aim is to develop tools employing acoustic remote sensing techniques to obtain a 3D image of sand filter parameters.
Steps may include: 1) Design an imaging approach based on tomography for sand filters: What acoustic signal features contain relevant information? What frequencies should be employed? How should the acoustic sensors be distributed around and in the sand filter? 2) Make a prototype of the measurement system. A test environment will be provided by several Dutch waterworks. 3) Evaluate the imaging approach: How do the obtained images compare with groundtruthing measurements, e.g. samples from the sand filter? What is the spatial resolution, and what contrasts can be discerned?
Requirements
University Graduate
Applicants are expected to have a university degree (MSc), preferably in physics, geotechnical engineering, aerospace engineering, applied mathematics, civil engineering, or geodesy. Applicants must also be proficient in spoken and written English.
Organization
Delft University of Technology Aerospace Engineering
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognized level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.
The chair of Acoustic Remote Sensing (ACRS) is one of six chairs that comprise the Delft Institute of Earth Observation and Space Systems (DEOS), one of three departments within the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering. The main topics of the group are hydroacoustics, with a focus on remote sensing of river and seafloor sediments using advanced sonar systems, and remote sensing of the atmosphere with infrasound. We also develop new sensor methodologies, such as small, autonomous, underwater robots with bio-mechanical propulsion. ACRS is involved in multidisciplinary projects aimed at developing low-noise aircraft and other vehicles. The ACRS group provides lectures on general acoustics and acoustic remote sensing for earth observation and data analysis.
The research is carried out in close cooperation with the chair of Drinking Water in the department of water management of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences. Currently, water quality is sometimes threatened by new, emerging substances in the source waters. The groups research aims at maintaining the quality of drinking water, carried out in the research themes new technologies/innovative treatment and water quality in the distribution system. Water quality improvement is further obtained in the theme modelling and improved operation. This theme aims to optimize treatment plant performance by an integrated modelling approach. A new research theme is sustainable drinking water solutions.
Conditions of employment
Estimated maximum salary per month: eur 3500 - 4000
Maximum salary amount in Euro's a month 3755
Employment basis: Temporary for specified period
Duration of the contract: one year
Maximum hours per week: 38
Additional conditions of employment:
The successful candidate will be granted a temporary employment contract with the university.
PhD: The duration of the contract is in principle four years (48 months), depending on an evaluation at the end of the first year resulting in a go/no go decision. The research is expected to culminate in a dissertation (PhD thesis).
Postdoc: The candidate will be offered a position as a postdoctoral researcher. In this case the duration of the contract will be 3 years (36 months), depending on an evaluation at the end of the first year.
Benefits and other employment conditions are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
TU Delft offers an attractive benefits package, including a flexible work week, free high-speed Internet access from home, and the option of assembling a customized compensation and benefits package (the 'IKA'). Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
For more information about this position, please contact Prof. Dr. D. G. Simons, phone: +31 (0)15-2788145, e-mail: D.G.Simonsattudelft.nl. To apply, please send your CV, a statement of purpose, a list of courses in the BSc and MSc programme including marks, a list of published papers or reports, and the names and addresses of two references. Please e-mail your application materials to: L.E.M.deJongattudelft.nl. When applying for this position, make sure to mention vacancy number LR09-01. This position will remain open until filled.
Additional Information
Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained from:
Prof. Dr. D. G. Simons
Telephone number: +31 (0)15-2788145
E-mail address: D.G.Simonsattudelft.nl
Or additional information can be obtained through one of the following links.
* About the organization
* Technische Universiteit Delft
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Application
You can apply for this job before 31-12-2009 by sending your application to:
L.E.M. de Jong
E-mail address: L.E.M.deJongattudelft.nl
When applying for this job always mention the vacancy number LR09-01.
