PhD Position Generative AI for Aviation Operations

PhD Position Generative AI for Aviation Operations

Are you passionate about aviation and how generative AI can change the future of flight operations? Join us at TU Delft Faculty of Aerospace Engineering! 

Job description

Generative AI is revolutionizing various industries, including aviation. In the context of flight operations, Generative AI holds the potential to transform how we approach critical tasks such as trajectory generation, air traffic control, and weather prediction. By leveraging advanced AI techniques, aviation can achieve new levels of efficiency and safety.

The VITOLMINS project is at the forefront of this transformation, focusing on enhancing the operations of electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The project aims to integrate eVTOLs into existing air traffic systems seamlessly, utilizing European Global Navigation Satellite Systems (EGNSS) and Copernicus services. This integration is crucial for optimizing air traffic flow and ensuring that eVTOL operations do not interfere with traditional aircraft, thereby maximizing airport capacity and operational efficiency.

Within this framework, the PhD project will explore the application of Generative AI across three key areas: trajectory generation, air traffic control, and potentially weather models for aviation. The candidate will have the opportunity to develop and apply cutting-edge machine learning models for real-world aviation challenges, contributing to both the theoretical advancement of Generative AI and its practical implementation in aviation.

This PhD position offers a unique chance to work at the intersection of AI innovation and aviation, shaping the future of flight operations and contributing to the development of sustainable and efficient air mobility solutions. The successful candidate will engage in EU-funded research, collaborating with industry stakeholders internationally to push the boundaries of what is possible with Generative AI for aviation.  

Key Responsibilities

1. Generative AI for eVTOL trajectory generation and integration:

• Develop and apply Generative AI techniques to generate/optimize trajectories for eVTOL operations, ensuring compliance with safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Integrate EGNSS and Copernicus services to enhance the accuracy and reliability of the generated trajectories, aligning with the VITOLMINS project's objectives.

2. New AI applications for air traffic control:

• Design and implement LLM-embodied agents to manage and optimize air traffic control in mixed environments with eVTOLs and traditional aircraft.
• Research into weather field reconstruction and prediction using machine learning models, integrating these models to enhance operational efficiency and safety.     

Requirements

Academic Background:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or a related field.
• Strong background in Generative AI techniques, including VAEs, GANs, diffusion models, and/or language models.

Technical Skills:

• High proficiency in Python programming languages.
• Ample experience with machine learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch) and deep learning architectures.
• Knowledge of GNSS technologies and their applications in aviation is a plus.

Other Requirements:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent and demonstrable communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Background in aviation and/or eVTOL operations is highly desirable.    

TU Delft

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft 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. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Aerospace Engineering

The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is one of the world’s most highly ranked (and most comprehensive) research, education and innovation communities devoted entirely to aerospace engineering. More than 200 science staff, around 270 PhD candidates and close to 3000 BSc and MSc students apply aerospace engineering disciplines to address the global societal challenges that threaten us today, climate change without doubt being the most important. Our focal subjects: sustainable aerospace, big data and artificial intelligence, bio-inspired engineering and smart instruments and systems. Working at the faculty means working together. With partners in other faculties, knowledge institutes, governments and industry, both aerospace and non-aerospace. Working in field labs and innovation hubs on our university campus and beyond.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment 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 assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €2901 per month in the first year to €3707 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional information

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Dr. Junzi Sun, via j.sun-1@tudelft.nl.