Archaeological Remote Sensing Specialist

Are you the specialist that develops novel Machine Learning methods to extract hidden archeological information from massive remote sensing data?

Job description

The research to which this vacancy belongs is part of the “Mapping the Archaeological Pre-Columbian Heritage in South America – MAPHSA” project funded by Arcadia – a charitable fund of Lisbet Rausing and Peter Baldwin.

The MAPHSA project aims at mapping the pre-Columbian heritage of South America. Within this project we look for an experienced computational scientist with a background in archaeology that is able to lead the contribution of TU Delft. Your daily work will consist of the development of methodology to identify and interpret typically sparse and hidden information in massive remote sensing data sets of suitable areas in South America. In addition your work will consist of project coordination, communication with other project partners, and communication on your project results to the outside world, by means of scientific publications. An important part of your work will also consist of supervising additional staff and students working on different topics (in)directly related to MAPHSA. Finally you will be asked to contribute to the funding and educational activities of the Department.

Your will work with Dr. Roderik Lindenbergh, an expert in 3D environmental and structural monitoring and geometry extraction from complex point cloud and remote sensing data. Within the Dept. of Geoscience and Remote Sensing you will find further expertise on spectral and thermal remote sensing, microwave remote sensing, positioning and navigation, and atmospheric modeling and remote sensing.

Job requirements

• PhD in Archaeology, and knowledgeable in pre-Columbian archaeology.
• Working knowledge of state-of-the art Machine Learning methodology.
• Proven experience with different remote sensing acquisition mehods, including LIDAR and spectral Remote Sensing.
• Able to efficiently process large data sets.
• Fluent in Spanish and English in speaking and writing.
• Proven capabilities in acquiring research funding.
• Experience in education, notably in supervising educational research projects, including BSc, MSc and PhD thesis projects.
• Experience in project coordination.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences

The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Our research feeds into our educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource availability, urbanisation and clean water. Our research projects are conducted in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced of the importance of open science and supports its scientists in integrating open science in their research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in the following seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 33 Months. Temporary.
• A job of 28-32 hours per week.
• A salary based on Scale 11 of the CAO for Dutch Universities with a salary between €4925 - €6682 gross per month based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• Flexible working week.
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.

Additional information

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Roderik Lindenbergh (r.c.lindenbergh@tudelft.nl).

Please apply via the website of TU Delft, unsolicited emails will not be considered or answered.

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 11 November 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae.
• Cover letter, including your motivation for this specific position.
• Transcripts from your BSc and MSc degrees.
• If available, a copy of your MSc thesis will be appreciated.
• Applicants selected for an interview will be asked to provide contact information of at least 2 references.

You can address your application to Roderik Lindenbergh.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.