Postdoc: Machine learning for wind flow prediction in coastal dunes

Job description

Coastal dunes are dynamic landforms that provide flood protection and crucial habitat in the Netherlands and across the world. Coastal dunes are formed by sand transport, which strongly relies on the interaction between wind and dune shape. Recent improvements in airflow modelling and coastal dune modelling are promising. However, getting accurate wind field predictions remains challenging, especially in dunes with complex topography.
Your job
In this 2-year postdoc position, you will use numerical modelling and machine learning techniques to increase the accuracy of coastal dune models. As a result, your project will inform and enhance decision-making in coastal dune management.
The ultimate goal of this project is to build a surrogate wind field model that can feed accurate wind field predictions into numerical coastal dune models. You will start by evaluating current wind field predictions from the coastal dune model AeoLiS by comparing model output with existing field measurements and/or Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. Specifically, you will assess where simplified assumptions in the model fall short. You will then train a machine learning model (such as PySR or neural networks) on CFD data to develop a fast, data-driven wind field predictor. You will combine this surrogate model with AeoLiS and evaluate the accuracy of the new model setup by applying it to existing case studies. Where needed, you will contribute to field data collection to support model validation. You will share your results in stakeholder meetings, scientific conferences, and academic journals.

Requirements

You have a strong background in data science and experience applying machine learning and other AI techniques. You are interested in applying these techniques to physical systems, in this case, to coastal dunes, wind flow dynamics and wind-driven sand transport.
You have an open, collaborative and curious attitude. You enjoy exploring new approaches and you combine this with the pragmatism that is needed to move a project forward.

• By the time the position starts, you have obtained a PhD degree in Data Sciences, Computer Sciences, Physics, Earth Sciences, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• You have a strong background in numerical modelling and programming (preferably Python). You will collaborate with colleagues who are AeoLiS and CFD specialists, so affinity with these techniques is a plus but not required.
• Affinity with the collection and analysis of (aeolian) field measurements is a plus.
• You communicate clearly and have a strong command of the English language.

Employer

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.
Utrecht University’s Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth: from the Earth’s core to its surface, including man’s spatial and material utilisation of the Earth – always with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With 3,400 students (BSc and MSc) and 720 staff, the faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The Faculty of Geosciences is organised in four Departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development.

Additional information

For more information about this position, please contact Dr Christa van IJzendoorn at c.o.vanijzendoorn@uu.nl. Please do not send your application to this email address but use the ‘Apply Now’ button.
Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.