Microclimate Observation Networks in Greenhouses

Help solve a key challenge in greenhouse horticulture: design high‑resolution microclimate observation networks to enable energy savings by optimizing the growth microclimate for greenhouse crops.

Crop microclimate plays a vital role in optimizing productivity of greenhouse crops, yet accurate knowledge of microclimate remains limited. Sensing microclimate variability and gradients in greenhouses and vertical farms requires sensors that are accurate enough to capture small‑scale variations and representative of the local microclimate without altering it. In this PhD project you will advance novel experimental and theoretical approaches to uncover the complex heat, CO₂ and moisture transfer dynamics in greenhouses and vertical farms.

Responsibilities

• Design, build and test multiple versions of microclimate boxes using different shield configurations and absorbance/reflection materials.
• Compare new sensors against reference devices (fine‑wire thermometer, high‑accuracy hot‑wire anemometer for low airflows, etc.) within a microclimate sensing setup at Unifarm (WU).
• Develop and implement a network of autonomous climate boxes (radiation, temperature, RH, CO₂) including IoT solutions for data communication.
• Analyze in‑canopy temperature, water vapor, CO₂ profiles and vertical gradients to identify flux–gradient relationships.
• Investigate resistance analogies for flux‑gradient relationships inside the canopy, the role of leaf‑scale resistance versus aerodynamic resistance, and formulate multi‑layer representations.
• Collaborate closely with a team of PhD researchers, postdocs, industry partners and project supervisors, participating in weekly joint whiteboard sessions.
• Prepare and present research results in scientific papers, conference presentations and project reports.

Qualifications

• MSc in applied physics, atmospheric science or a related field.
• Proven relevant project or thesis experience in experimental work.
• Strong team‑work and communication skills, with a willingness to collaborate across disciplines.
• Good command of written and spoken English.

Employment Conditions

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4‑year period of employment, structured as two contracts: an initial 1.5‑year contract with a progress assessment within 15 months, followed by an additional 2.5‑year contract contingent on meeting performance requirements.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, ranging from €3,059 to €3,881 gross per month from year one to year four (based on a full‑time 38‑hour contract), plus 8 % holiday allowance and an end‑of‑year bonus of 8.3 %.

PhD candidates will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School and will have access to flexible work schedules and a customized compensation package, discounts on health insurance and a monthly work‑costs contribution.

Application deadline: 15 July 2026.

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