PhD Position Methods and Algorithms for Airborne Noise Source Localization in Urban Environments

As drones and air taxis enter cities, understanding and controlling their noise is critical. This PhD focuses on airborne noise source localization in urban environments, enabling quiet air mobility.

Job Description

The rapid growth of air mobility operations—such as air taxis, eVTOL aircraft, and delivery drones—brings new challenges for operating at low altitudes over densely populated areas. A key factor affecting public acceptance is the noise produced by these vehicles. Beyond understanding how noise propagates through complex urban settings, there is a growing need for accurate methods to localize and identify airborne noise sources for regulation, monitoring, and mitigation.

Urban canyons significantly alter wind flow and temperature distribution, creating strong gradients and turbulence above and between buildings. These phenomena lead to multiple simultaneous wave interactions, including reflections, diffractions, refraction, and turbulence-induced scattering. Such effects not only complicate noise prediction but also disrupt conventional approaches to source localization based on microphone arrays or distributed sensors.

This PhD project will focus on the development of novel methods and algorithms for airborne noise source localization in generic urban environments. The researcher will work on modelling relevant propagation effects, designing localization strategies robust to urban acoustics, and validating these techniques using state-of-the-art experimental equipment such as microphone arrays and advanced acoustic measurement systems. The PhD candidate will be embedded in a multidisciplinary research group, and will work closely with supervisors, fellow PhD researchers, and external collaborators in an international research environment.

Main objectives of this PhD project:

• Develop source localization algorithms that remain reliable in the presence of multipath propagation, temperature, and flow-induced refraction typical of urban canyons.
• Investigate how urban geometry and atmospheric flow structures influence the performance of array-based and distributed-sensor localization methods.
• Incorporate efficient propagation and scattering models to better account for shadow zones, building reflections, and turbulence-induced scattering.
• Validate the developed localization approaches through controlled experiments and compare them against existing techniques.

Job Requirements

• MSc degree (or equivalent) in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, architectural engineering, (applied) physics, applied mathematics, or a related field is required.
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills are essential.
• Solid understanding of numerical modeling and signal processing; experience with array processing or inverse problems is beneficial.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as C, C++, Python, or Julia/Matlab is advantageous.
• Background in computational acoustics, wave propagation, or ray-beam tracing is highly desirable.
• A keen interest in experimental measurements would be beneficial.
• Demonstrates drive, enthusiasm, and an independent thinking approach.
• Ability to work effectively in a project team and take ownership of research objectives.
• Excellent command of the English language, both in written and oral communication.
• Thrives in an interdisciplinary environment and enjoys collaboration.
• Expected to contribute to an exciting and dynamic research atmosphere within the department.
• Ability to publish work of high scientific quality and participate in international conferences.

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.

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, 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.

You don’t just join our faculty — you join a community where you can thrive, grow, and help shape the future of aerospace.

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 €3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
• 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.

Relocation Support

• TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information 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. Furkat Yunus, via f.yunus@tudelft.nl and Prof. dr. Mirjam Snellen via m.snellen@tudelft.nl.