PhD Position Simulating the Airspace of the Future: Fleet & Network Optimization for Future Aircraft

Design the simulation models that will help airlines fly future aircraft types profitably and sustainably before they take off!

Job description

Research and industry are increasingly investing in new aircraft concepts (e.g., powered by batteries, hydrogen, and other alternative energy sources) that promise to significantly reduce aviation's climate impact. These aircraft, however, come with fundamentally different performance characteristics, forcing airlines to rethink their operations well before such aircraft enter service. This PhD project will help make this transition possible.

The primary focus of this research will be on the development of new methods and models that efficiently couple new aircraft designs with new fleet allocation and schedule decisions. This will enable airlines to minimize fleet-wide emissions once new aircraft types are introduced. The produced methods and models will form part of a larger simulation environment that evaluates the airspace of the future.

The research should consider:

• Characterizing the key performance differences between current and future aircraft models
• Evaluating how these differences affect fleet assignment and network planning
• Optimizing airline operations (e.g., fleet composition, scheduling, routing) based on new aircraft capabilities
• Assessing the resulting fleet-wide economic and climate impact
• Facilitating future expansion to include other domain models for optimization (e.g. noise) in collaboration with other departments of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering

This PhD position is part of the Dutch Aviation Systems Analysis Lab, a collaboration between TU Delft and Royal NLR, funded through the Dutch national growth fund under the ‘Luchtvaart in Transitie’ programme. Within this ecosystem, you will join a diverse and interdisciplinary team of twelve PhD candidates and three postdocs from across the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, collaborating closely with experts at NLR and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management to analyse the complex interactions between sustainability, economics, and societal impact in aviation.

The PhD candidate will be based at the Operations & Environment section of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering and will actively collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of researchers and PhD candidates from the same Faculty, as well as researchers from the Dutch Aerospace Laboratory (NLR), towards the creation of the Dutch Aviation System Analysis Laboratory.

Job requirements

The candidate has a MSc degree in Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, or a related field. Additionally, the following is a plus:

• Strong programming skills in Python, and experience in building simulation environments
• Experience with fleet planning, airline network scheduling, and/or optimization methods
• Genuine interest in sustainable aviation
• A proactive, problem-solving attitude, strong communication and academic writing in English, and enjoyment of teamwork

TU Delft

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide high-quality education and conduct pioneering research. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means joining an international community of professionals and students.

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. Support and scientific staff, including PhD candidates, postdocs, and students, 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.

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.