Assistant Professor in Flow Physics and Technology

Drive breakthroughs in wind energy and aerodynamics for aerospace applications using AI, advanced computational methods, and world-class experimental facilities. As an Assistant Professor in the department of Flow Physics and Technology, you will develop impactful research while educating and mentoring the next generation of aerospace engineers.

Job description

The Department of Flow Physics and Technology (FPT) at the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, TU Delft, is inviting applications for up to three Academic Career Track positions at the level of Assistant Professor. We are seeking scientific staff whose expertise aligns with one of the department’s key research themes. These positions will specifically strengthen the department’s research in fundamental understanding, advanced modelling and control of complex, multi-physics and multi-scale flow problems encountered in aerospace engineering and wind energy systems.

We seek candidates who bring expertise in one or more (not necessarily all) of the following research areas:

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Fluid Mechanics, including data-driven and training-based methods for diagnostics, modelling and control of complex flows in aerospace engineering and wind energy, enabling new flow-physics insights and improved aerodynamic analysis and design.
• Computational Aerodynamics, focusing on the development and application of advanced numerical and high-performance computing techniques, such as DNS and LES, to enable accurate aerodynamic analysis and design of flow systems, from component to system level scales, at relevant Reynolds/Mach numbers.
• High-Speed Compressible Aerodynamics, focusing on experimental methodologies for exploring transonic, supersonic and hypersonic flows, and on bridging fundamental aerodynamics research with aerospace system analysis and design.
• Wind Turbine Modelling, with an emphasis on surrogate, physics-based and data-driven approaches to quantify and predict the design drivers for loads and performance of modern wind turbines.
• Wind Plant Aerodynamics, focusing on physical and/or data-driven modelling and computational or experimental techniques to understand atmospheric flows and quantify the interaction of wind plants at large scales.

As an Assistant Professor in FPT, you will contribute to high-quality education in the BSc and MSc programmes of Aerospace Engineering and will develop an independent and internationally visible research line in flow physics and related technologies. You will have the opportunity to shape your research portfolio while collaborating closely with colleagues across the department, faculty and university, as well as with external academic and industrial partners.

You will contribute to and innovate within the educational curriculum of the department and faculty, teach and supervise BSc and MSc students and advise PhD candidates and postdocs. You will help develop courses aligned with your expertise including contributions to professional education/life-long-learning.

You will establish a strong and internationally visible research programme, attract competitive external funding (national, European and/or industrial) and disseminate your work through high-impact publications and collaboration with industry and society. As part of the Academic Career Track at TU Delft, you will receive mentoring and support to develop your academic leadership, build a research team of PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers, expand your international network, and grow towards promotion to Associate and Full Professor.

You will join an open and collaborative academic environment with access to world-class experimental facilities, including wind tunnels from subsonic to hypersonic regimes, advanced computational infrastructure such as the DelftBlue HPC platform, advanced flow measurements and optical diagnostics techniques, and interdisciplinary initiatives such as the AI Fluids Lab.

Job requirements

You are passionate about academic work and thrive in an international, collaborative research environment. You are committed to high-quality teaching and mentoring of students, while continuously developing your own academic, leadership and professional skills.

You have:

• A PhD degree in fluid mechanics, physical sciences or engineering, or a closely related discipline; a background in mechanical or aerospace engineering is considered an asset. International postdoctoral experience is advantageous.
• Experience in numerical modelling and/or experimental measurements of fluid flows, including (where applicable) high-fidelity simulations, flow control methods, wind turbine design packages, surrogate modelling and/or machine learning techniques.
• Research expertise relevant to one or more of the department’s focus areas, such as fundamental aerodynamics, high-speed flows, environmental flows, modelling of wind turbine loads and performance or wind farms, or related engineering systems.
• A strong scientific track record, demonstrated by high-quality publications in peer-reviewed journals. Awards and distinctions will be valued.
• A clear vision for research, funding acquisition and valorisation. An existing portfolio of grants and/or an entrepreneurial mindset is considered an advantage.
• The ability and motivation to provide inspiring teaching and supervision in English at BSc, MSc and PhD level.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset; you are comfortable working with colleagues, students and external partners.
• An excellent command of spoken and written English; willingness to learn the Dutch language to a basic level is expected.

Faculty Aerospace Engineering

The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is a leading international community where innovation in aerospace meets global challenges. Our support and scientific staff, including PhD candidates, postdocs, and students, largely work together on three main themes: the energy transition, sustainable aerospace, and safety and security, with the aim of tackling climate change and contributing to the independence and security of Europe.

When you join us, you become part of a diverse, collaborative, and forward-thinking environment where your ideas and perspectives are valued. Our work extends beyond the lab—into field labs, innovation hubs, and partnerships with other faculties, research institutes, governments, and industry, both locally and globally.

Conditions of employment

This position is offered as an Academic Career Track position (0.8 – 1.0 FTE). During the Academic Career Track, we expect you to grow towards an Associate Professor position within a maximum of eight years, for which a position will be available. With other Academic Career Track colleagues, you will participate in the Academic Career Track Development programme, where you are offered ample opportunities to develop yourself in the areas of Education, Research, Societal Impact & Innovation, and Leadership & Organisation. You will regularly discuss your development and results with senior staff based on a personalized development plan and performance criteria agreed upon at the start of your Academic Career Track. You will start with a temporary contract that will be converted to a permanent contract no later than 12–18 months after a positive evaluation, based on continuous confidence in your development potential and fit in the organisation.

Inspiring, excellent education is our central aim. We expect you to obtain a University Teaching Qualification (UTQ) within three years if you have less than five years of teaching experience. This is provided by the TU Delft UTQ programme as part of the Academic Career Track Development programme.

TU Delft sets high standards for the English competency of the teaching staff. The TU Delft offers training to improve English competency. If you do not speak Dutch, we offer courses to learn the Dutch language within three years.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged and you can work partly from home.

If you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job, TU Delft is committed to making your move as smooth as possible, with guidance on relocation and support services.