PhD Position in Quantum‑Enhanced Vibration-Based Damage Detection

Composite structures in aerospace and wind energy are becoming larger, lighter, and more complex, while early-stage damage often remains invisible until critical failure occurs. In this PhD position, you will combine Quantum Photonic Vibrometry (QPV) with AI-driven vibration analysis to detect micro-scale damage at an early stage. You will work with leading academic and industry partners to develop safer and more sustainable engineering systems.

Job Description

As a PhD candidate at TU Delft, you will investigate how advanced vibration measurements and interpretable AI models can improve the early detection of structural damage in composite materials. Your research will focus on combining high-precision Quantum Photonic Vibrometry with machine learning techniques capable of identifying subtle changes in structural behaviour.

You will design and conduct vibration experiments using QPV sensing systems and analyse complex measurement data to identify signatures of micro-scale damage. In parallel, you will develop advanced and interpretable AI models for damage detection and condition monitoring, with a strong focus on robustness, explainability, and practical applicability.

Part of the project involves deploying lightweight AI models on reservoir computing devices and edge AI hardware, enabling efficient and scalable real-time monitoring solutions. You will collaborate closely with academic researchers and industrial partners, contributing to both fundamental research and application-driven innovation.

You will become part of a supportive and international research team within TU Delft, with access to state-of-the-art sensing facilities, advanced computational resources, and collaborative industrial environments. The position offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of quantum sensing, artificial intelligence, and structural integrity for aerospace and renewable energy applications.

Job Requirements

• A Master’s degree in engineering, physics, applied mathematics, or a related field.
• Affinity with vibration measurement and analysis, AI or machine learning, and/or signal processing.
• Experience with programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, or similar tools.
• An analytical and creative mindset with an interest in developing innovative methods.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently within a research project.
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and spoken.
• Interest in working in a multidisciplinary and international research environment.
• Motivation to contribute to research with societal and industrial impact in aerospace and renewable energy.

TU Delft

Delft University of Technology is a top international university combining science, engineering and design.

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.

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.

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.

As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel to help prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment takes place at the final stages of the selection process based on information provided by candidates.