This PhD project will develop computational methods to fuse multi-modular data sets into one quantitative 3D model of precious cultural heritage objects.

The project is a unique collaboration between Rijksmuseum Amsterdam (S. Creange MSc., metal conservator), Rijksdienst Cultureel Erfgoed (dr. I. Joosten, specialist conservation and restoration) and several sections of TU Delft within the NWO programme NICAS (Netherlands Institute for Conservation, Art and Science). The project aims to deliver valuable insights into the interior (state) of objects like bronze statues: how where the objects created by the artist, what is the current physical and chemical condition and composition of the objects interior and what can be learned from the interior for best conservation and preservation strategy of the object. By combining neutron tomography with gamma spectroscopy and gamma tomography into one 3D computed reconstruction, this novel approach will deliver the required quantitative information with which such questions may be answered. These 3 techniques are available at Delft University of Technology, as well as the expertise on the interpretation of the individual data sets. The (computational) fusion of those data sets into one 3D reconstruction will provide new insights to museum conservators and curators and ideally can be used by the museum for exhibition reasons.

You have recently completed a master degree in (Applied) Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science and/or can demonstrate a substantial background in the development of mathematical algorithms for complex iterative reconstruction. Besides the required accompanying computing skills (C++, python, matlab, etc), you have excellent academic qualifications and are able to design, execute and interpret the experiments that generate the data sets.

Being at the center of this multi-disciplinary project, you will need very good communication skills to work with experts of the different experimental techniques as well as with the conservators at the musea and (metal) experts in archeology. Strong affinity with cultural heritage will be required to communicate your scientific contributions to that field.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit www.tudelft.nl/phd for more information.

Technische Universiteit Delft

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

Faculty Applied Sciences

The Faculty of Applied Sciences is the largest faculty of TU Delft, with around 550 scientists, a support staff of 250 and 1,800 students. The faculty conducts fundamental, application-oriented research and offers scientific education at the bachelor, master and doctoral levels. The faculty is active in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Applied Physics.

Within the Faculty of Applied Sciences of the TU Delft, the section Neutron and Positron Methods for Materials (NPM2) designs and develops novel scientific methods for material science using neutrons and positrons as a probe. The section Biomedical Imaging develops new technologies and complete imaging systems that enable to make 3D and 4D images of distributions of molecules, specific cells and electron density of tissues in living beings using gamma ray tomography.

Faculty Civil Engineering and Geosciences

The Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences of TU Delft provides leading international research and education, with innovation and sustainability as central themes. Research and education are closely interwoven and address societal challenges. The Faculty consists of 7 departments. One of them is the Department of Geoscience and Engineering.

The Department of Geoscience and Engineering executes a programme for inventive exploration, exploitation, and use of the Earth’s resources and subsurface space. It employs a staff of around 120 and 85 PhD candidates and teaches some 250 undergraduate students. It has an internationally leading role in research on petroleum engineering, applied geophysics and petrophysics, applied geology, resource engineering and geo-engineering. Part of its know-how is the use of non-destructive techniques to characterise the microstructure of geomaterials. A key component of its research is close cooperation with other disciplines in the geosciences, engineering, and applied mathematics and physics.

Ateliergebouw Rijksmuseum

The Ateliergebouw at Rijksmuseum is the center for art restoration, conservation, science and education. In the Ateliergebouw the Rijksmuseum, the Dutch Agency for Cultural Heritage (RCE) and the University of Amsterdam (UvA) combine their expertise in restoration and conservation of art objects.