PhD in Estimation of Heat Fluxes Oceans from Synthetic Aperture Radar Data; FluxSAR

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)

Organisation/Company Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) Research Field Engineering >
Computer engineering >
Thermal engineering Environmental science >
Earth science Environmental science >
Global change Geosciences >
Hydrology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Final date to receive applications 17 Mar 2026 - 22:59 (UTC) Country Netherlands Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Not Applicable Hours Per Week 38.0 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

Are you interested in Earth Observation using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), data science (machine learning), and in improving our understanding of weather and climate?

Job description

In the last couple of years we have demonstrated that high-resolution radar imagery generated by Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites can be used to characterize the exchange between the upper ocean and the lower atmosphere. In particular, we have illustrated the possibility of estimating heat fluxes and inferring the temperature difference between the ocean and the atmosphere, for which no systematic alternative monitoring exists, and which are of high importance to improve weather and climate modeling.

The key to retrieving these variables from SAR is atmospheric turbulence, which is directly associated with these variables, and results in unique surface wind signatures directly visible in the radar images. However, it is only through the use of machine learning techniques and massive data sets that we can train algorithms to exploit this information.

In the FluxSAR project we want to go beyond the demonstration of capabilities to generate a properly validated product with a good understanding of the estimation uncertainties and the applicability of the method. Moreover, we want to show how these FluxSAR products can be exploited, for example through their assimilation in numerical weather models, or used directly in illustrative case studies.

By joining the FluxSAR team you will work alongside experts in oceanography, atmosphere and remote sensing with ample opportunity for collaborations across institutes. Therefore, we anticipate this project to provide a stimulating basis for a successful PhD track.

Job requirements

• A university degree in Physics or Engineering.
• Interest in Earth Observation and working with large datasets.
• Good programming skills (Python or Julia).

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem‑solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

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Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences

The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Our research feeds into our educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource availability, urbanisation and clean water. Our research projects are conducted in close cooperation with a wide range of research…