Postdoctoral Researcher Geophysical Subsurface Imaging, AI, and Digital Twins

Utwentecareers; Enschede; On-site; EUR 47,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

International research environment

3-year full-time contract

Competitive UFO Researcher 4 salary (€

Job summary

University of Twente, ITC, seeks a PhD researcher to develop and apply advanced geophysical methods for subsurface characterization, combining sensing, modelling, and AI. You will work on GPR, ERT, seismic and electromagnetic approaches, building hybrid models and contributing to digital twins for monitoring and infrastructure management.

The role emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, international publication, and dissemination at conferences, within a three-year full-time contract.

Qualifications

• PhD in Geophysics, Applied Geophysics, Earth Sciences, Engineering Geology, Civil Engineering, Remote Sensing, or a related field.
• Experience with geophysical sensing or imaging techniques (e.g. GPR, seismic, ERT, EM).
• Demonstrated experience in quantitative data analysis and scientific programming (Python, MATLAB, R, or similar).
• Strong publication record relative to career stage.
• Excellent communication and scientific writing skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct research using geophysical techniques (GPR, ERT, seismic, EM).
• Analyse and integrate geophysical datasets to characterize subsurface structures.
• Develop and apply AI and machine learning methods for signal processing, image analysis, data fusion, and prediction.
• Build physics-informed and hybrid AI models combining geophysical knowledge with data-driven approaches.
• Contribute to dynamic digital twins for subsurface monitoring, forecasting and decision support.
• Collaborate with researchers and external stakeholders, publish results and present at conferences.

Skills

Geophysics

Data analysis

Scientific programming

English writing

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in Geophysics or related field

Tools

Python

MATLAB

R

Job description

Job description

The University of Twente, Faculty ITC, wishes to increase the number of women in the faculty to have a more balanced staff profile. During all phases of the selection process, we will therefore prioritize selecting women who fit the profile.

Your challenge

Changing environmental conditions such as soil moisture, temperature, and subsurface heterogeneity strongly influence the quality of geophysical observations. Improving our ability to image and monitor the subsurface is essential for applications in infrastructure management, environmental monitoring, climate adaptation, and sustainable urban development.

You will develop and apply advanced methods for subsurface characterization by combining geophysical sensing, physical modelling, and artificial intelligence. You will:

• design and conduct research using geophysical techniques such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), seismic, and electromagnetic methods;
• analyse and integrate geophysical datasets to characterize subsurface structures, buried infrastructure, and material properties;
• develop and apply AI and machine learning methods for signal processing, image analysis, data fusion, and prediction;
• build physics-informed and hybrid AI models that combine geophysical knowledge with data-driven approaches;
• contribute to the development of dynamic digital twins for subsurface monitoring, forecasting, and decision support;
• collaborate with researchers and external stakeholders, publish results in leading journals, and present findings at international conferences.

The project offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of geophysics, AI, and digital twinning, contributing to next-generation technologies for understanding and managing the subsurface.

This position is embedded within the national Sectorplan Earth and Environmental Sciences (AMW) programme and contributes to strategic research investments addressing climate resilience, environmental monitoring, and sustainable infrastructure management.

Your profile

• A PhD in Geophysics, Applied Geophysics, Earth Sciences, Engineering Geology, Civil Engineering, Remote Sensing, or a related field.
• Experience with one or more geophysical sensing or imaging techniques (e.g. GPR, seismic methods, ERT, EM methods).
• Demonstrated experience in quantitative data analysis and scientific programming (e.g. Python, MATLAB, R, or similar).
• A strong publication record relative to career stage.
• Excellent communication and scientific writing skills in English.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative and interdisciplinary team.
• An enthusiastic researcher who enjoys combining scientific innovation with practical applications.

The following experiences are a pré:

• Seismic imaging, inversion, migration, or advanced geophysical interpretation.
• Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) applications and signal processing.
• Image and signal processing for geophysical datasets.
• Machine learning or deep learning applied to geoscience and subsurface characterization.
• Geological scenario modelling, uncertainty quantification, or predictive subsurface modelling.
• Data fusion and integration of multiple sensing techniques.
• Digital twins, environmental process modelling, or infrastructure monitoring applications.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in geophysical imaging and data analysis, combined with an interest in emerging AI methodologies. You are curious, collaborative, and motivated to develop innovative solutions for complex subsurface challenges. While the scientific core of the project lies in advancing geophysical imaging and interpretation, the outcomes are expected to contribute directly to climate-resilient infrastructure management and environmental monitoring.

Our offer

• A stimulating international research and academic environment, access to innovative experimental facilities, and the opportunity to contribute to modern research at the intersection of geophysics, artificial intelligence, and digital twins
• A dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues in which internationalization is an important part of the strategic agenda
• Full-time position for three years
• Gross monthly salary between € 4,251.00 and € 5,760.00 per month, depending on experience and qualifications (UFO profile Researcher 4)
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%
• Assistance in applying for the 30% ruling (a possible tax deduction for foreigners)
• Excellent support for research and facilities for professional and personal development
• A solid pension scheme
• A total of 41 holiday days per year in the case of full‑time employment
• Excellent working conditions, an exciting scientific environment, and a lively green campus
• Free access to sports facilities on campus.

Information and application

For more information, you may contact Prof Dr M. van der Meijde (e-mail: [e-mail]) or Dr Ir L.L. Olde Scholtenhuis (e-mail: [e-mail]).

The interviews will take place on 16 and/or 17 November 2026.

Screening is part of the selection procedure.

For questions about working and living in the Netherlands, please consult the official website of the Dutch Government or the Expat Center East Netherlands website.

About the department

The research will be conducted at the University of Twente FieldLab, a unique experimental facility designed for both controlled and real-world subsurface investigations. The FieldLab offers instrumented test sites, advanced geophysical monitoring capabilities, semi-controlled hydrological conditions, and opportunities to study environmental dynamics over time.

The project brings together expertise from geophysics, engineering, environmental sciences, and artificial intelligence, offering an excellent environment for interdisciplinary research and collaboration.

This position is jointly hosted by the Department of Geosciences (faculty ITC) and the Department of Civil Engineering and Management (faculty ET) at the University of Twente. The Department of Geosciences is internationally recognised for its research on subsurface characterization, Earth observation, geophysics, geoinformatics, and sustainable management of natural resources. The Department of Civil Engineering and Management contributes expertise in infrastructure systems, asset management, digitalisation, and data-driven approaches for monitoring and decision support in the built environment. Together, the two departments offer a highly interdisciplinary research environment at the interface of geoscience, engineering, artificial intelligence, and digital twins.

About the organisation

The Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC)provides international postgraduate education, research and project services in the field of geo-information science and earth observation. Our mission is capacity development, where we apply, share and facilitate the effective use of geo-information and earth observation knowledge and tools for tackling global wicked problems. Our purpose is to enable our many partners around the world to track and trace the impact - and the shifting causes and frontiers - of today’s global challenges. Our vision is of a world in which researchers, educators, and students collaborate across disciplinary and geographic divides with governmental and non-governmental organisations, institutes, businesses, and local populations to surmount today’s complex global challenges and to contribute to sustainable, fair, and digital societies.

A PhD in Geophysics, Applied Geophysics, Earth Sciences, Engineering Geology, Civil Engineering, Remote Sensing, or a related field. Experience with one or more geophysical sensing or imaging techniques (e.g. GPR, seismic methods, ERT, EM methods). Demonstrated experience in quantitative data analysis and scientific programming (e.g. Python, MATLAB, R, or similar). A strong publication record relative to career stage. Excellent communication and scientific writing skills in English. Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative and interdisciplinary team. An enthusiastic researcher who enjoys combining scientific innovation with practical applications. The following experiences are a pré:Seismic imaging, inversion, migration, or advanced geophysical interpretation. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) applications and signal processing. Image and signal processing for geophysical datasets. Machine learning or deep learning applied to geoscience and subsurface characterization. Geological scenario modelling, uncertainty quantification, or predictive subsurface modelling. Data fusion and integration of multiple sensing techniques. Digital twins, environmental process modelling, or infrastructure monitoring applications. The ideal candidate has a strong background in geophysical imaging and data analysis, combined with an interest in emerging AI methodologies. You are curious, collaborative, and motivated to develop innovative solutions for complex subsurface challenges. While the scientific core of the project lies in advancing geophysical imaging and interpretation, the outcomes are expected to contribute directly to climate-resilient infrastructure management and environmental monitoring.