PhD Position Modeling and Managing Future Low-Emission Aircraft in European Airspace

Shape the future of sustainable aviation by researching how zero-emission aircraft will transform air traffic management. Model and assess the integration of hydrogen and electric aircraft into European airspace and support the EU Green Deal net-zero emissions goals.

Job description

We are seeking a dedicated PhD candidate to join a new project, ZEUS, developing integrated frameworks for modeling, assessment, and management of next-generation low/zero-emission aircraft impact on the European ATM network.

Your responsibilities will include developing performance models for zero-emission aircraft (hydrogen combustion, hydrogen fuel cell, battery-electric, hybrid-electric) and assessing ATM network impacts of aircraft with fundamentally different operational characteristics. You will simulate mixed-fleet operations in European airspace and analyze how they will impact the future air traffic system, as well as explore new ways of managing these new entrants. The role involves investigating trajectory planning and energy management strategies for alternative propulsion, modeling differences in climb/descent performance, range, and endurance constraints, and evaluating airspace capacity implications and traffic flow management adaptations.

The project

ZEUS develops an integrated framework for understanding how next-generation zero- and low-emission aircraft will affect air traffic management systems, airport infrastructure, and network operations. The project addresses system readiness, operational changes required, and phased integration strategies for new aircraft types. TU Delft brings expertise in aircraft performance modeling, ATM simulation, and network analysis to this exploratory research.

The PhD research will extend beyond this project. The research topic could include trajectory data-driven research in airspace capacities, as well as predictions and optimization for future aviation scenarios.

Job requirements

Required

• MSc degree (or equivalent) in Aerospace Engineering, Air Transport, Operations Research, or related field
• Strong analytical and modeling skills
• Proficiency in programming (such as Python, Rust, or Go)
• Understanding of aircraft performance principles and/or ATM systems
• Solid background in quantitative research methods
• Interest in sustainable aviation and environmental impacts
• Excellent English communication skills (written and verbal)
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in international teams

Preferred

• Experience with aircraft performance modeling or flight simulation
• Knowledge of alternative propulsion systems (hydrogen, electric, hybrid)
• Familiarity with ATM concepts, airspace design, or traffic flow management
• Experience with optimization or operational research methods
• Experience with scientific publications in aviation or transportation research

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

TU Delft combines science, engineering and design to address challenges in energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society.

Faculty Aerospace Engineering

At the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, you will join 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

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1.5 year contract includes 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.

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.

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

If relocation to the Netherlands is needed, TU Delft offers support to help make the move as smooth as possible. A Dual Career Programme is available to support an accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

• #EUfunded This is an EU funded project named ZEUS, within program HE.
• As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest.