Postdoc in AI tools for Coastal Climate Change Adaptation

HARCCA is a European project conceived to co-construct and demonstrate innovative solutions for coastal climate resilience. The HARCCA consortium comprises 22 European partners from 9 countries forming a large, experienced, diverse and multidisciplinary team. The team includes social scientists, coastal engineers, economists, ecologists, oceanographers, digital innovators, governance and policy experts, along with practitioners selected from local and regional authorities from coastal hotspots across Europe, from the North Sea and Baltic to the Mediterranean and Atlantic, including islands and outermost communities.

In particular, HARCCA will develop the DIGI-ADAPT AI-platform, integrating and visualising multi-hazard risk data and adaptation assessment.

We are seeking a motivated and talented person who is looking to take their next step in an academic career. We offer a 4-year Postdoctoral Researcher appointment.

In Your Role You Will

• Join the international HARCCA project consortium.
• Lead the development of the DIGI-ADAPT AI-platform in coordination with software engineers and the project consortium.
• Demonstrate DIGI-ADAPT as a user-friendly geoportal to visualise coastal risk and socio-economic values.
• Ensure compatibility of DIGI-ADAPT with European digital climate initiatives.
• Organise workshops and coordinate stakeholder engagement (e.g. regular meetings, presentations, visits).

Job Requirements

• A PhD degree in Computer Science, Hydro-informatics or Civil Engineering (or in a related discipline).
• Demonstrated experience in data management, software development and/or model-data interoperability.
• Affinity with international collaborations that require traveling.
• Knowledge of, or strong interests in scientific and practical knowledge of digital platforms, AI and geo-portals.
• Excellent programming skills (e.g. in Python, SQL, Java, PyTorch, etc.).
• A critical, creative and pro-active approach to research, with good problem-solving skills.
• Proven experience with writing scientific publications and preparing communications for scientific and technical meetings with project partners.
• Excellent command of English (oral and written).

Conditions of Employment

• Duration of contract: 4 years.
• 32–40 hours per week.
• Salary and benefits in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• Excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• Flexible working week.
• 232 leave hours per year (at 38 hours), with option to sell or buy additional leave hours.
• Partially paid parental leave.
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.

How to Apply

Please apply no later than 1 June 2026 via the TU Delft application portal and upload the following documents:

• CV (max 4 pages).
• Cover letter (max 1 page) describing your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• A list of up to 5 publications that best relate to this job offer.
• A list of up to 5 previous/current projects that best relate to this job offer, with a short summary of the projects and a brief description of your role in them.

You can address your application to Sierd de Vries. For more information about this vacancy, please contact Sierd de Vries (sierd.devries@tudelft.nl) and Maria Pregnolato (m.pregnolato@tudelft.nl).

After the first selection, online interviews will be held in early July. The candidate is expected to start on 1 October 2026.