PostDoc In City Information Models for Urban Water Management and Nature-Based Solutions

Introduction

Are you passionate about creating digital tools that help cities manage water resources sustainably? We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join an international research initiative focused on developing innovative City Information Models (CIM) to support urban water management and planning nature-based solutions.

Job Description

This position is part of Green4Grey, a Water4All European project that brings together universities and municipalities to enhance urban water circularity by advancing sustainable, efficient, and safe management of non-conventional water resources, reducing reliance on traditional water supplies, and integrating decentralized Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) with centralized urban systems.

However, cities currently lack comprehensive digital tools to effectively plan and implement NBS. Existing models don't integrate spatial data or social considerations, nor do they enable decision-making across different scales. Professionals face knowledge gaps about NBS performance and struggle to justify their adoption over conventional infrastructure due to insufficient evidence and high implementation complexity.

Within this project, TU/e addresses these barriers by developing a modular, spatially explicit City Information Model (CIM) that integrates data management, computational operations, and interactive visualization for optimal NBS integration. As a postdoctoral researcher, you will use web-GIS technology and generative AI to develop a parametric CIM that helps cities assess, plan, and implement NBS to enhance water quality and quantity while contributing to circular economy principles. The CIM will enable urban stakeholders to explore water availability, evaluate NBS options, and scale interventions from individual buildings to entire neighborhoods.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will:

• Develop a CIM Data Module managing connections to local and global data sources (rainfall, water use, sensor data, materials, costs).
• Develop a CIM Operations Module to integrate nature-based solutions. As part of this module, develop an ontology of selected green infrastructure types including their attributes, interrelationships, and performance criteria, and instantiate this ontology as a knowledge graph in selected project use cases.
• Develop a CIM Interactive Visualization Module providing parametric 2D/3D interfaces using open-source technologies like Cesium. Allow users to place and visualize NbS elements (green roofs, rain gardens, bioswales) on specific sites and buildings. Integrate generative AI components that enable natural language user input to the CIM, allowing users to issue commands via text or speech (e.g., "Place a green roof on this building and add a rain garden to its south side").
• Develop scalability assessment tools that enable users to replicate NbS measures across larger urban areas and simulate their collective impact on water quality and quantity.
• Organize and facilitate participatory workshops with local stakeholders to test the CIM prototypes, gather feedback, and refine functionality to ensure practical usability and integration into real-world decision-making processes.
• Produce project deliverables including CIM prototypes, technical documentation, and academic publications.
• Contribute to project management, including planning, monitoring, ethics and data management, and reporting to funding bodies.

You will be working with the Information Systems in the Built Environment (ISBE) within the Department of the Built Environment. The group carries out research and education in the field of information systems for design, engineering, construction and management of the built environment.

Sustainability, in its broadest definition, is the cornerstone of research and education in the Department of Built Environment. We take the lead in (re)shaping the built environment to be future-proof, safe, healthy, inclusive and respectful of planetary boundaries. We house the entire spectrum of technology, engineering, design, and human behavior disciplines in the built environment, with world-class experimental facilities at all scales. This allows us to address societal challenges from a uniquely integrated perspective.

Job Requirements

• PhD in urban planning, geographic information science, computer science, environmental engineering, or comparable domain.
• Proven research experience in digital twins, city information models, or spatial decision support systems.
• Strong programming and software development skills (e.g., Python, JavaScript, web-GIS frameworks).
• Experience with 3D visualization technologies (e.g., Cesium, Three.js, or similar platforms).
• Experience with knowledge graphs, semantic web technologies, or LLM integration.
• Knowledge of urban water management, green infrastructure, or nature-based solutions is highly desirable.
• Experience with participatory methods, stakeholder engagement, or co-design processes is valued.
• Ability to conduct high-quality academic research, reflected in demonstrable outputs.
• A proven ability to manage complex projects and deliver results on schedule.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with experience or willingness to engage diverse partners (academic, municipalities, NGOs).
• Excellent (written and verbal) proficiency in English.
• A team player who enjoys working in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment.

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for 18 months.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. € 4,241 max. € 5,538).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and a compensation for moving expenses.

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is a leading international university within the Brainport region where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact prof. Bige Tunçer, b.tuncer@tue.nl, or Dr. Shahryar Sarabi, s.ershad.sarabi@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact L. van Houten, HR-Advisor, l.v.houten@tue.nl or +31 40 247 8269.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application using the apply-button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.
• List of up to five self-selected ‘best publications’.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.