PhD Position in Microclimate Sensing – Experimental Research at TU Delft, Netherlands (2026)
This exciting doctoral project aims to solve one of the biggest challenges in modern greenhouse horticulture: developing high-resolution microclimate observation systems that enable energy-efficient crop production and optimized greenhouse environments.
Applications are open until 15 July 2026.
About the Project
Greenhouse horticulture and vertical farming are increasingly important for sustainable food production. However, understanding the microclimate inside crop canopies remains a major scientific challenge.
Small variations in:
Temperature
Humidity
Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
Airflow
Radiation
can significantly influence crop productivity and energy use.
The project aims to develop innovative sensing technologies capable of accurately measuring these microclimate variations without disturbing the local environment.
Research Objectives
The PhD researcher will develop and test new approaches for measuring:
In-canopy temperature
Relative humidity
Carbon dioxide concentrations
Water vapor dynamics
Airflow and turbulence
Radiation gradients
The ultimate goal is to create autonomous microclimate observation networks that can improve greenhouse management and reduce energy consumption.
Main Research Activities
Design Novel Microclimate Sensors
You will build and evaluate several versions of microclimate boxes using different:
Radiation shields
Reflective materials
Absorbent materials
Sensor configurations
These sensors will be validated against reference instruments.
Experimental Testing
The research will be conducted using advanced sensing facilities at:
Unifarm (Wageningen University)
Experiments will compare new sensor designs against high-precision reference instruments, including:
Fine-wire thermometers
High-accuracy hot-wire anemometers
Low-airflow measurement systems
Develop Autonomous Climate Monitoring Networks
The project aims to create:
Autonomous climate boxes
IoT-based data communication systems
High-resolution sensor networks
These technologies could transform climate control in:
Greenhouses
Vertical farms
Controlled-environment agriculture
Analyze Microclimate Dynamics
You will investigate:
Temperature profiles
Water vapor gradients
CO₂ transport
Heat transfer mechanisms
Flux-gradient relationships inside crop canopies
The project also seeks to answer important scientific questions, such as:
Do classical resistance models apply inside dense canopies?
What role do stomatal and boundary-layer resistances play?
How can these processes be represented in multilayer models?
Research Environment
The position is hosted by the:
Department of Water Management
within the:
Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences (CEG)
at TU Delft.
The research team includes:
PhD researchers
Postdoctoral researchers
Industry partners
Horticulture experts
Dedicated technical staff
The candidate will work under the supervision of:
Dr. Marie-Claire ten Veldhuis (Experimental Expertise)
Prof. Bas van de Wiel (Theoretical Expertise)
The project uses a collaborative supervision approach with regular joint research sessions and close interaction between experimental and theoretical researchers.
About TU Delft
Founded more than 180 years ago, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is one of Europe's leading technical universities and is internationally recognized for excellence in:
Engineering
Climate science
Water management
Artificial intelligence
Energy systems
Sustainable technologies
TU Delft combines world-class research with practical solutions to global challenges.
About the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences
The Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences (CEG) conducts internationally recognized research in:
Climate change
Water resources
Delta technology
Environmental monitoring
Sustainable infrastructure
Applied earth sciences
The faculty consists of:
28 research groups
Seven academic departments
Extensive international collaborations
The research environment strongly supports:
Open science
Interdisciplinary collaboration
Professional development
Candidate Requirements
Applicants should possess:
Essential Qualification
MSc in:
Applied Physics
Atmospheric Science
Environmental Physics
Meteorology
Or a closely related discipline
Required Skills
Candidates should demonstrate:
Experience in experimental research
Strong analytical skills
Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams
Excellent written and spoken English
Previous MSc thesis or project experience involving experimental work is highly desirable.
Contract Duration
The PhD position is offered for:
Four Years
The appointment consists of:
Initial contract: 1.5 years
Go/No-Go evaluation after 15 months
Additional contract: 2.5 years (upon satisfactory progress)
Salary and Benefits
PhD candidates are employed as university staff and receive a competitive salary according to the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Universities.
Gross Monthly Salary
| Year | Salary |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | €3,059 |
| Year 2 | €3,280 |
| Year 3 | €3,565 |
| Year 4 | €3,881 |
(Full-time appointment based on 38 hours per week.)
Additional Benefits
TU Delft offers:
8% holiday allowance
8.3% end-of-year bonus
Monthly work-cost contribution
Health insurance discounts
Flexible working arrangements
Excellent pension scheme
Professional development opportunities
TU Delft Graduate School
As a doctoral candidate, you will join the TU Delft Graduate School, which provides:
Research skills training
Transferable skills courses
Academic mentoring
International networking opportunities
The Graduate School offers an outstanding environment for building a successful research career.
Relocation Support
International candidates receive extensive support through:
Coming to Delft Service
The service assists with:
Visa and immigration procedures
Housing information
Administrative support
Networking events
Dual Career Programme
TU Delft also supports accompanying partners in their search for employment opportunities in the Netherlands.
Application Documents
Applicants should submit:
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Motivation Letter
Applications must be submitted through the official TU Delft online application portal.
Applications sent via email or post will not be considered.
Important Dates
Application Deadline: 15 July 2026
Position Type: Fully Funded PhD Position
Duration: 4 Years
Working Hours: 36–40 hours per week
Location: Delft, Netherlands
Official Application Link
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the main focus of this PhD project?
The project focuses on developing high-resolution microclimate sensing technologies for greenhouses and vertical farming systems.
2. Which scientific disciplines are suitable for this position?
Applicants with backgrounds in Applied Physics, Atmospheric Science, Environmental Physics, or related fields are encouraged to apply.
3. What kind of research will I conduct?
The research combines:
Experimental sensor development
Microclimate measurements
IoT technologies
Heat and mass transfer analysis
Greenhouse environmental modelling
4. Is this position fully funded?
Yes. The PhD position is fully funded and includes a salary, employee benefits, and professional training.
5. What salary is offered?
The salary increases annually from €3,059 to €3,881 gross per month.
6. Will I work with industry partners?
Yes. The project involves collaboration with horticultural companies and industry stakeholders.
7. Is relocation support available?
Yes. TU Delft offers visa support, housing information, and a dual-career programme for partners.
8. Do I need prior greenhouse research experience?
No. However, experience in experimental research and environmental measurements is highly desirable.
9. Is English proficiency required?
Yes. Strong written and spoken English skills are required to participate in research and doctoral training.
10. When is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 15 July 2026.
Final Thoughts
The PhD Position in Microclimate Sensing – Experimental Research at TU Delft offers an outstanding opportunity to work at the intersection of environmental physics, smart agriculture, sensor technology, and climate science. By developing next-generation microclimate observation systems, the successful candidate will contribute directly to improving greenhouse sustainability and energy efficiency while building expertise in one of the fastest-growing areas of agricultural technology.
Comments
Post a Comment