Challenge: Collaborate on developing models to assess the resilience of connected critical infrastructures.

Change: Harnessing the power of quantitative network models.

Impact: Building resilient, connected critical infrastructures.     

Job description
Imagine contributing to making our connected critical infrastructures more resilient. Do you enjoy exploring mathematical models and working with network data? Join our team as we conduct innovative research on network models to address important challenges in connected critical infrastructures.

These infrastructures are composed of physical components, which are increasingly managed through automated systems and procedures. As digitalization continues, telecommunication networks are becoming more intertwined with these infrastructures, which, in turn, rely on stable power grids to function smoothly.

In this exciting PhD project, you’ll explore how to model these interconnected infrastructures and their control systems, understanding their dependencies in both physical and digital spaces. You’ll also investigate how to assess the resilience of these systems and help design automated controls that operate effectively across different infrastructures.

This PhD position is part of NExTWORKx, a strategic partnership between KPN, a leading Telecom and ICT service provider, and Delft University of Technology. You will be supervised by prof.dr.ir. Rob Kooij and an expert at KPN, working closely with a collaborative team. Curious to learn more about the project? Feel free to visit our website, where you’ll also find other exciting PhD opportunities related to this collaboration.

You’ll be part of a diverse and passionate team of academic staff, PhD candidates, and postdocs in the Network Architectures and Services Group. We value open discussions, sharing ideas, and collaborating regularly to advance our understanding of complex networks—whether they are technological, biological, or social. You’ll also receive comprehensive training to support your growth as a scientist.

Are you interested to know more about the project, our department or our group? Please feel free to visit our webpages:

• About the NExTWORKx project and related vacancies.
• About the QCE department.
• About the NAS group

Requirements
In order to be successful, you will have:

• MSc in Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, Statistics or related disciplines with a strong background in mathematical modeling, algorithms and probabilistic modeling
• Good programming skills in Python/C/C++
• Good oral and very good written skills in English
• Enjoys working in an international and inter-disciplinary research group

Because of project definitions, we are looking for EU citizens.

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.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this

innovative environment.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.

Conditions of employment
Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2872 per month in the first year to € 3670 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact prof.dr.ir. Rob Kooij, via r.e.kooij@tudelft.nl

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than January 31, 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• 1 page motivational letter
• Degree transcripts
• The names and contact information of at least two relevant references.

You can address your application to prof.dr.ir. R. Kooij.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• A knowledge security check will be part of the selection procedure.
  (for details page 45: national knowledge security guidelines).
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.