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University of Twente
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EngD position: AI for Underground Infrastructure Detection and Characterisation University of Twente in Netherlands
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Two-year full-time EngD position with a gross monthly salary of €3173, plus 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, pension and health care benefits, and minimum 29 holidays per year.
Deadline
Nov 27, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
University of Twente
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About this position
This EngD project at the University of Twente focuses on building AI methods for detecting underground infrastructure in ground penetrating radar (GPR) radargrams and estimating burial depth. The work builds on high-quality GPR data from the university’s Utility Mapping Site (UMS), a dedicated test environment for utility mapping technologies.
You will work on systematically collected and accurately annotated GPR datasets to develop and validate machine learning models that improve automated interpretation of subsurface features. The project aims to move beyond current partial automation by combining geospatial data, subsurface sensing, and AI to support more reliable utility mapping and safer excavation practices.
The position is embedded in the ZoARG|ReDUCE programme, a collaborative effort to reduce excavation damage to underground infrastructure in the Netherlands. The research environment is multidisciplinary, bringing together the University of Twente’s Departments of Civil Engineering and Management and Applied Earth Sciences, the UT FieldLab, and industry collaborators involved in the programme.
Your work will involve analysing existing GPR interpretation methods, exploring AI approaches for automated utility characterisation, preparing and managing large datasets, training and validating models, and comparing your results with existing literature and commercial software. The project also includes close interaction with infrastructure owners, contractors, technology providers, and researchers.
Funding details
Two-year full-time EngD position with a gross monthly salary of €3173, plus 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, pension and health care benefits, and minimum 29 holidays per year.
What's required
A Master’s degree or equivalent experience in Civil Engineering, Geomatics, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field is required. Applicants should have experience with machine learning, data analytics, or computer vision techniques, programming experience in Python, and familiarity with frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow. Curiosity about geospatial data, remote sensing, subsurface sensing, or utility mapping is expected, along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, the ability to work independently and collaborate with academic and industrial partners, and excellent communication skills with proficiency in English.
How to apply
Submit a CV, a motivation letter of up to 1.5 pages, and an overview of your MSc degree including thesis title, abstract, and grade list. Send the application by 27 November 2026 through the application link. For questions about the project or eligibility, contact the selection committee by email.
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Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.