PhD on AI-driven information systems for Nature-Based Solutions in Drought

Departments, Department of Built Environment

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.

Sustainability, in its broadest definition, is the cornerstone of research and education in the Department of Built Environment. We take the lead in (re)shaping the built environment to be future-proof, safe, healthy, inclusive and respectful of planetary boundaries. We house the entire spectrum of technology, engineering, design, and human behavior disciplines in the built environment, with world-class experimental facilities at all scales. This allows us to address societal challenges from a uniquely integrated perspective.

Introduction

Are you passionate about leveraging AI for sustainability transitions and developing spatial information systems to enhance the planning of Nature-Based Solutions? Join our team to drive innovations that support environmental resilience. This is your chance to make a real impact!

Job Description

Facilitating the adoption and implementation of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) necessitates obtaining varied types of knowledge, including both experiential and scientific. Extracting insights from practical experiences is crucial for effective NBS planning (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116413). Given the vast amount of structured and unstructured data stored in different databases documenting NBS projects, AI techniques, particularly Natural Language Processing (NLP), can play a key role in streamlining the knowledge acquisition process. With the advancement of Large Language Models (LLMs) technology, there are new possibilities for creating effective information systems that allow diverse groups to access NBS knowledge. This research project aims to expand the application of AI techniques to extract knowledge from such databases. Additionally, this project will investigate how these AI-based information systems can be incorporated within the framework of a NBS spatial planning support system (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2021.103608), allowing stakeholders to refine design and planning decisions for NBS in drought situations.

Job responsibilities

• Develop a taxonomy and a database of NBS case studies focusing on projects implemented in drought conditions.
• Develop an AI-based expert system relying on a combination of neuro-symbolic AI and LLMs to derive knowledge from the NBS case study databases.
• Design and develop an integrative (spatial) planning support system that combines various knowledge sources, enabling stakeholders to analyze problem areas, co-create scenarios, and evaluate the socio-ecological impacts of different NBS strategies.
• Publishing articles in high-quality scientific journals.
• Coordination of research activities.
• You will be contributing to the Urban Informatics research theme at the chair of Information Systems in the Built Environment (ISBE).

Job Requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Earth or Environmental Sciences, Planning, Engineering, computer science or related fields with demonstrable experience in spatial analysis and numerical modelling of the environments.
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Solid programming knowledge (Python, and preferably web development languages).
• A good understanding of AI techniques, especially natural language processing.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with international partners.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).
• A positive attitude and good communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work in a team and on own initiative.

Conditions of Employment

• A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:
• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 2,901 max. € 3,707).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children’s day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager dr. Qi Han, q.han@tue.nl or dr. Shahryar Sarabi s.ershad.sarabi@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR Services, email hrservices.be@tue.nl.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.