Assistant Professor in Predictive Modelling and Simulation of Rotorcraft and VTOL Aircraft

Help shape the future of safe and sustainable vertical flight. At TU Delft, you will advance predictive modelling and simulation tools for rotorcraft and Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft within Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), while collaborating with researchers, industry and students to develop next-generation aerospace technologies.

Background

Transport and mobility are undergoing a major transformation. More than a thousand Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft concepts are currently being developed for future mobility, many of them electric or hybrid-electric. These aircraft aim to transform urban and regional mobility as part of the emerging Advanced Air Mobility ecosystem. Ensuring their safety and certification is therefore a crucial challenge. Modelling and simulation (M&S) play a key role in enabling early risk identification, system validation and informed design decisions before real-world deployment.

At the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering of TU Delft, you will work in one of the world’s leading aerospace research and education environments. Within this environment, the Department of Control and Operations brings together expertise in modelling and simulation, human-machine interaction, control, guidance and navigation, air traffic management, and environmental impact modelling.

Job description

As Assistant Professor in Predictive Modelling and Simulation of Rotorcraft and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Vehicles for Next-Generation Flight Control and Handling Qualities Investigations, you will develop innovative modelling and simulation approaches that support the safe operation and certification of current and future vertical flight systems.

Your research may include immersive and predictive modelling, simulation of coupled flight dynamics, stability and control analysis, simulator fidelity, handling qualities assessments, prediction of pilot-induced or pilot-assisted oscillations, and the synthesis of flight control laws. You may also explore immersive simulation environments using Extended Reality (XR), as well as optimization and artificial intelligence approaches for certification through simulation.

You will establish a distinctive research line focused on modelling and simulation for rotorcraft and VTOL aircraft and contribute to advancing Advanced Air Mobility technologies. Collaboration is central to this role. You will work closely with colleagues across disciplines within the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, engage with national and international research partners, and build strong connections with industry and governmental organisations active in aviation and vertical flight innovation.

The position includes defining and supervising MSc and PhD research projects, attracting research funding and building collaborative research programmes. You will also contribute to education within BSc and MSc programmes of Aerospace Engineering and the MSc Control and Operations track, working closely with colleagues to deliver high-quality teaching and inspire the next generation of aerospace engineers.

You will join an internationally diverse and collegial department where knowledge sharing, interdisciplinary collaboration and teamwork are central. Together with colleagues, students and partners, you will contribute to research and education that address the major challenges facing future aviation.

Job requirements

• You hold a PhD in Aerospace Engineering or a closely related field.
• You have strong expertise in modelling and simulation, particularly applied to vertical flight systems.
• You have experience in one or more relevant areas such as flight dynamics modelling, simulation, data analysis, handling qualities, or rotorcraft and VTOL design.
• You demonstrate research potential through publications and a developing or established scientific track record.
• You have the ability to attract research funding and build collaborative national and international networks.
• You are motivated to teach and supervise MSc and PhD students and enjoy working closely with colleagues and partners in education and research.
• You communicate clearly and work collaboratively in an international and inclusive environment.
• You have an excellent command of English and are willing to learn Dutch within a reasonable timeframe.

TU Delft

Delft University of Technology is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world-class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society.

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.

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.