Delft University of Technology
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PhD in Operational Analysis and Assessment of New Aircraft Concepts Delft University of Technology in Netherlands
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Doctoral employment for 4 years in principle, structured as an initial 1.5-year contract with a go/no-go assessment and a subsequent 2.5-year contract if progress is satisfactory. Salary ranges from €3204 to €4051 gross per month over the four years on a full-time 38-hour contract, plus 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus. Includes TU Delft Graduate School enrollment, health insurance discounts, and a monthly work costs contribution.
Deadline
Nov 8, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Delft University of Technology

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About this position
PhD position at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, focused on operational analysis and assessment of new aircraft concepts. The project sits within the Dutch Aviation Systems Analysis Lab (DASAL), a collaboration between TU Delft and Royal NLR, and examines how emerging aircraft and propulsion technologies affect air traffic management, safety, efficiency, and capacity.
The research topic is highly relevant to the future of aviation and sustainable aerospace. New aircraft concepts powered by batteries, hydrogen, and other alternative energy sources have different performance characteristics from conventional aircraft, including operating speeds, climb/descent profiles, and range. The PhD will study how mixed fleets of conventional and novel aircraft interact in shared airspace and what this means for separation standards, procedure design, trajectory prediction, collision avoidance, and trajectory-based operations.
Possible research directions include empirical analysis of large-scale simulations, development of semi-analytical models, and creation of metrics to quantify safety, capacity, and efficiency trade-offs. A major technical component is extending the open-source air traffic simulator BlueSky into a scenario generator and assessment framework that can be used by other researchers and policymakers. The project also aims to support future expansion to additional domain models such as emissions and noise.
Eligibility highlights: applicants should have an MSc in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or Computer Science, with a strong background in physics and mathematics and preferably knowledge of Air Traffic Management. Strong coding skills, preferably in Python, are important. English proficiency is required, and prior scientific research experience is considered a plus.
Funding and employment: this is a paid PhD employment position for 4 years in principle. The salary ranges from €3204 to €4051 gross per month, plus 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus. TU Delft also offers health insurance discounts, a monthly work costs contribution, flexible work schedules, and support for relocation to the Netherlands.
Application deadline: 8 November 2026. Apply online through the TU Delft careers portal and upload a CV, motivational letter, and course grade summary; you may also include up to three supporting documents or links demonstrating relevant experience.
Funding details
Doctoral employment for 4 years in principle, structured as an initial 1.5-year contract with a go/no-go assessment and a subsequent 2.5-year contract if progress is satisfactory. Salary ranges from €3204 to €4051 gross per month over the four years on a full-time 38-hour contract, plus 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus. Includes TU Delft Graduate School enrollment, health insurance discounts, and a monthly work costs contribution.
What's required
MSc degree in Aerospace Engineering or Aeronautical Engineering, or an MSc in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or Computer Science with affinity for aviation and Air Traffic Management. Strong background in physics and mathematics, ideally knowledge of Air Traffic Management. Strong coding skills, preferably Python. Ability to learn independently, passion for research, strong communication skills in English, teamwork, openness to discussion and constructive criticism. Previous involvement in scientific research is a plus; English proficiency is required for doctoral study.
How to apply
Apply online via the application button no later than 8 November 2026. Upload your CV, motivational letter, course grade summary, and optionally up to three documents or links showing relevant experience. Address the application to Joost Ellerbroek; do not apply by email or post.
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