Postdoctoral Researcher in City Information Models for Urban Water Management and Nature-Based Solutions Eindhoven University of Technology in Netherlands

This postdoctoral position at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) offers an exciting opportunity to advance sustainable urban water management through the development of City Information Models (CIM) and nature-based solutions (NBS). The role is part of the Green4Grey, a Water4All European project, which unites universities and municipalities to promote urban water circularity by integrating decentralized NBS with centralized urban systems. The project addresses the current lack of comprehensive digital tools for planning and implementing NBS, aiming to bridge knowledge gaps and support decision-making at multiple scales.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will join the Information Systems in the Built Environment (ISBE) group within the Department of the Built Environment. Your main tasks will include developing a modular, spatially explicit CIM that integrates data management, computational operations, and interactive visualization. You will leverage web-GIS technology and generative AI to create a parametric CIM, enabling cities to assess, plan, and implement NBS for improved water quality and quantity, while supporting circular economy principles.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing a CIM Data Module to manage connections to diverse data sources (e.g., rainfall, water use, sensor data, materials, costs).
• Creating a CIM Operations Module for integrating NBS, including developing an ontology of green infrastructure types and instantiating it as a knowledge graph.
• Building an Interactive Visualization Module with 2D/3D interfaces using open-source technologies (e.g., Cesium), allowing users to visualize and place NBS elements on urban sites.
• Integrating generative AI for natural language user input, enabling intuitive interaction with the CIM.
• Developing scalability assessment tools to simulate the impact of NBS across urban areas.
• Organizing participatory workshops with stakeholders to test prototypes and refine the CIM for real-world application.
• Producing technical documentation, academic publications, and contributing to project management and reporting.

The ISBE group is renowned for its interdisciplinary research and education in information systems for the built environment, with a strong focus on sustainability. TU/e offers a vibrant, international academic community, excellent research facilities, and a supportive environment for professional development.

Funding and Benefits: The position is full-time for 18 months, with a competitive salary (scale 10: €4,241–€5,538), year-end and vacation bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package including training, childcare, sports facilities, and support for international staff.

Eligibility: Applicants must have a PhD in a relevant field (urban planning, GIS, computer science, environmental engineering, or similar), strong programming and software development skills, experience with digital twins, city information models, or spatial decision support systems, and proficiency in English. Experience with 3D visualization, knowledge graphs, urban water management, and stakeholder engagement is highly desirable.

Application: Apply online with a cover letter, CV, publication list, references, and up to five selected publications. The vacancy remains open until filled, with a deadline of January 9, 2026.