Postdoctoral Researcher Geophysical Subsurface Imaging, AI, and Digital Twins

University of Twente (UT); Netherlands; On-site; EUR 47,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

International research environment

Excellent facilities

Sports facilities on campus

Job summary

University of Twente (UT) invites applications for a research position in geophysics within the ITC Faculty. The role centers on developing AI-enabled subsurface imaging by combining geophysical sensing, physical modelling, and data-driven approaches.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in Geophysics or related field, has strong programming skills, a solid publication record, and excellent English communication. This is a fixed-term, full-time position with international collaboration opportunities.

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 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.

Responsibilities

• design and conduct research using geophysical techniques such as GPR, ERT, seismic, and EM 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.

Skills

Quantitative analysis

Scientific programming

English communication

Independent work

Education

PhD in Geophysics or related field

Tools

Python

MATLAB

R

Job description

Organisation/Company University of Twente (UT) Research Field Geosciences » Geology Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Application Deadline 31 Oct 2026 - 22:59 (UTC) Country Netherlands Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Not Applicable Hours Per Week 40.0 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer 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.

• 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.

• 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.
• 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.

Additional Information

• 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 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.

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] ). You are also invited to visit our homepage .

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.