Assistant Professor in Artifical Intelligence for Aerospace Structures

Drive the integration of Artificial Intelligence with aerospace structures to improve performance and reliability. Contribute to cutting-edge research and educate the next generation of aerospace engineers. Join a collaborative and internationally leading department at TU Delft.

Job description

The design, manufacturing, and operation of aerospace structures generate rapidly growing volumes of data, creating new opportunities to improve structural performance and reliability. This role focuses on developing and applying Artificial Intelligence methods to combine heterogeneous data sources such as experimental sensor measurements, numerical simulations, and operational data into actionable information. The aim is to enhance the trustworthiness of predictive models for aerospace structures.

You will contribute to advancing AI for Aerospace Structures, for example by integrating experimental data with physics based structural analysis methods. This includes assessing damage initiation and propagation under static and cyclic loading, as well as evaluating damage tolerance.

You will be part of the Department of Aerospace Structures and Materials (ASM), which has a strong track record in research and education across materials, manufacturing processes, structural diagnostics and prognostics, sensor systems, structural design and analysis, and material and structural characterisation techniques.

Education is a core component of this position. You will teach at BSc and MSc level and supervise PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers. You are expected to articulate a clear and coherent vision on education in data science, artificial intelligence, and their application to structural design, analysis, and monitoring. You will contribute to mentoring, academic leadership, and the development of people and teams.

The department fosters close collaboration across disciplines and with industry partners, offering a strong environment for innovative research and teaching. TU Delft provides an inclusive and stimulating academic setting, with attention to mentoring, work life balance, and professional development. As an Assistant Professor, you will participate in the Academic Career Track, supported by structured mentoring and career development opportunities.

Job requirements

• You are passionate about aerospace research and education and have relevant experience in this field.
• You are motivated to contribute to future aircraft and can articulate how your work advances sustainable aviation.
• You hold a PhD and have a demonstrable academic background in aerospace engineering with a strong focus on structural mechanics.
• You have affinity with artificial intelligence, data science, and data analytics.
• You have experience in structural design and analysis, composite structures, or damage and fracture mechanics.
• You have experience in teaching and supervising students, with an inclusive and supportive approach.
• You have excellent English communication skills; willingness to learn Dutch is supported.

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.

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. 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.

If you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job, TU Delft provides support to help prepare your relocation and to find housing and schools for children if applicable. A Dual Career Programme is available to support an accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.