PhD Position Optimzation of Interdependent Telecom and Urban infrastructures

Overview

Deadline 28 Feb ’26
• Published 26 Jan ’26
• Vacancy

Uncovering the interdependency between telecommunications networks and urban infrastructures

Developing data analysis and modelling methods to understand the interdependency

Better design to enhance telecom and urban performance

The functioning of cities depends on urban infrastructures such as 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 support city operation, telecommunications networks need to evolve to offer 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 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 network data science and telecommunications to address the 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. Huijuan Wang (MMC) and Dr. Eric Smeitink (KPN and the Network Architectures and Services Group).

The PhD position is part of NExTWORKx, the strategic partnership between 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 NExTWORKx and other projects on critical infrastructures. You will foster an inspiring, friendly, and supportive environment, meet regularly, share ideas and knowledge, and receive the support you need to evolve as a scientist.

• 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, a strong research mindset driven by curiosity and passion for the topic is essential. Reflecting on your motivation for pursuing a PhD trajectory is important, as this path involves challenges and uncertainties inherent to scientific exploration. Success requires dedication, adaptability, the ability to analyze complex problems, time management, innovation, and resilience. These qualities, combined with the ability and willingness to work independently and collaborate well, are indispensable for a fulfilling PhD journey.

These experiences build you as an independent researcher and expand your professional network, paving the way for diverse career paths inside or outside academia.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Delft University of Technology is a leading international university that combines science, engineering and design. It embraces diversity as a core value and aims to provide an inclusive environment where you can flourish. The university invites applications to address global challenges and invites you to apply.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4‑year period of employment, typically in two 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 if performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with…