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PhD Position Optimzation of Interdependent Telecom and Urban infrastructures

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)

Other Engineering

Posted on Jan 26, 2026

Challenge: Uncovering the interdependency between telecommunications networks and urban infrastructures

Change: Developing data analysis and modelling methods to understand the interdependency

Impact: Better design to enhance telecom and urban performance

Job description

The functioning of cities depends more than ever on urban infrastructures like transportation networks, power grids, water networks, Internet of Things sensors, and analytics platforms that gather data from those infrastructures, as well as telecommunications networks. To fully support the operation of cities, telecommunications networks also need to evolve, offering, e.g., ubiquitous connectivity and decentralised data-center capabilities to optimize urban performance. This project aims to explore how telecommunications networks and urban infrastructures interdepend and co-evolve, and to identify network designs that can further enhance global telecommunications and urban performance.

This exciting PhD project presents several scientific challenges, including developing advanced models for interdependent or co-evolving telecom and urban infrastructures driven by real-world data, surpassing state-of-the-art synthetic models; collecting and integrating diverse datasets, including entity matching; and combining expertise from, e.g., network data science and telecommunications to address the above modeling and design questions.

You will be part of a leading team in network data science within the Multimedia Computing Group (MMC) in Computer Science. We share a drive to understand and optimize complex systems ranging from social, technical, to economic systems. The supervision team consists of Dr. from MMC and Dr. Eric Smeitink from KPN and the Network Architectures and Services Group.

The PhD position is part of NExTWORKx, the strategic partnership between the telecom and ICT service provider KPN and Delft University of Technology. 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.

In your role, you will collaborate with partners and external collaborators from, e.g., NExTWORKx and other projects on critical infrastructures. Fostering an inspiring, friendly, and supportive environment, we meet regularly, share ideas and knowledge, and you will receive the support you need to evolve as a scientist.

Job requirements

In order to be successful, you bring:

• MSC in Computer Science, Physics, Engineering, mathematics or related disciplines with a strong background in data analysis, mathematical modeling and algorithms
• Good programming skills in Python/C/C++
• Good oral and written skills in English
• Enjoys working in an international and inter-disciplinary research group

To thrive as a PhD candidate, it's crucial to have a strong research mindset driven by curiosity and passion for your topic. Reflecting on your motivation for pursuing a PhD trajectory is essential, as this path involves unique challenges and uncertainties inherent to scientific exploration. Success requires dedication, adaptability, the ability to analyze complex problems, manage your time effectively, innovate and stay resilient under pressure. Combined with the ability and willingness to work independently and collaborate well, these qualities are indispensable for a fulfilling PhD journey. These experiences will build you as an independent researcher, expand your professional network, and pave the way for diverse career pave the way for diverse career paths, inside or outside academia.

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 of 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.

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 €3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.

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.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service , offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional information

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Dr. , via .