EngD: AI for Subsurface Utility Detection & Depth Estimation

University of Twente; Enschede; On-site; EUR 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension plan

Health care benefits

Educational component (40%) and design

EngD degree and professional title

Job summary

University of Twente seeks a candidate for an EngD project to develop AI models that detect underground infrastructure in GPR radargrams and estimate depth. You will work at UT’s FieldLab, leveraging real data and collaborative partners to push utility mapping forward.

The role combines geospatial sensing, AI, and earth sciences, with a two-year full-timeEngD position, mentorship, and a path to a certified degree. English proficiency and teamwork are essential.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Civil Engineering, Geomatics, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field.
• Experience with machine learning, data analytics, or computer vision.
• Programming in Python and familiarity with ML frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow).
• Curiosity about geospatial data, remote sensing, subsurface sensing, or utility mapping.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with academic and industrial partners.
• Excellent communication skills and proficiency in English.

Responsibilities

• Analyse existing GPR interpretation methods, ML techniques, and software tools.
• Explore and evaluate AI approaches for automated utility characterization.
• Prepare, preprocess, and manage large GPR datasets collected at the UT FieldLab.
• Design, develop, train, and validate ML models for interpreting GPR radargrams.
• Compare developed models with literature and commercial software solutions.
• Work with infrastructure owners, contractors, technology providers, and researchers in ZoARG.
• Report findings and translate results into practical recommendations.

Skills

Machine learning

Python

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Geospatial data

Analytical skills

Communication in English

Independent work

Education

Master's degree

Tools

Python ecosystem

Job description

University of Twente seeks a candidate for an EngD project to develop AI models that detect underground infrastructure in GPR radargrams and estimate depth. You will work at UT’s FieldLab, leveraging real data and collaborative partners to push utility mapping forward.

The role combines geospatial sensing, AI, and earth sciences, with a two-year full-timeEngD position, mentorship, and a path to a certified degree. English proficiency and teamwork are essential.