Assistant Professor in Air Traffic Management

As Assistant Professor in Air Traffic Management, your research advances intelligent and sustainable ways to manage global airspace. By applying artificial intelligence and machine learning, you enable new levels of automation and operational efficiency. Join Delft University of Technology to shape the future of safe, efficient and environmentally responsible air transport.

Job description 

Air traffic management (ATM) is undergoing a profound transformation as artificial intelligence and machine learning reshape how airspace is designed, monitored and managed. At TU Delft’s Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, this position offers the opportunity to advance these developments and educate the next generation of aerospace engineers. As Assistant Professor in the Communication, Navigation, Surveillance and Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM)chair within the Operations and Environment section of the Department of Control and Operations, you will develop research that strengthens automation, optimisation and data-driven decision-making in ATM. Your work may include trajectory prediction and generation, separation assurance, and the digital transformation of air traffic control, ranging from tactical interventions to long-term strategic planning.

Sustainability forms a key focus. In the short to medium term, optimising trajectory management provides one of the fastest ways to reduce aviation’s environmental footprint. In the longer term, new vehicle types and mixed aircraft performance will pose fresh challenges for efficient, quiet and safe traffic flows. Your research may also address the integration of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and the development of Urban Air Mobility and UAS Traffic Management (UTM) concepts. Establishing a distinctive research line in intelligent and sustainable air traffic management offers the opportunity to make real impact on the future of aviation. The role includes defining and supervising MSc and PhD research topics, attracting funding to support PhD candidates and postdocs, and contributing to both the BSc Aerospace Engineering and MSc Control and Operations programmes. Collaboration is central. The position involves maintaining a strong network of partners in academia, industry and government, and contributing to departmental and faculty committees and working groups.

Within a collegial and internationally diverse section that combines expertise in operations research, traffic simulation, noise & climate impact modelling, trajectory optimisation and machine learning, this role provides an inspiring environment to advance both science and your academic career.

Job requirements 

• A PhD in aerospace engineering or a closely related field.
• Strong expertise in air traffic management and its operational and regulatory context.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: air traffic simulation, optimisation, data analysis, or machine learning.
• A developing or established scientific track record demonstrated by publications and research potential.
• Ability to attract research funding and build collaborative national and international networks.
• Passion for education, with the ability to teach, supervise and inspire MSc and PhD students.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative, inclusive working style.
• Excellent command of English and willingness to learn Dutch within a reasonable timeframe.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology) 

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. 

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration. 

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Aerospace Engineering 

The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is one of the world’s most highly ranked (and most comprehensive) research, education and innovation communities devoted entirely to aerospace engineering. More than 200 science staff, around 270 PhD candidates and close to 3000 BSc and MSc students apply aerospace engineering disciplines to address the global societal challenges that threaten us today, climate change without doubt being the most important. Our focal subjects: sustainable aerospace, big data and artificial intelligence, bio-inspired engineering and smart instruments and systems. Working at the faculty means working together. With partners in other faculties, knowledge institutes, governments and industry, both aerospace and non-aerospace. Working in field labs and innovation hubs on our university campus and beyond. 

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering. 

Conditions of employment 
This position is offered as an Academic Career Track position with a permanent contract. 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. 

 
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. The 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. 
 
Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged and you can work partly from home. 


Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, provides information and personal one-on-one guidance to help you prepare your relocation, and to find housing and schools for children (if applicable). 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 the selection procedure, please contact Marc van der Hulst, via M.vanderHulst@tudelft.nl, and for questions about the vacancy please contact Jacco Hoekstra via J.M.Hoekstra@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 20 November 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV and (prefereably) your portfolio
• Motivational letter
• A short reflection about research and teaching that includes a summary of your area of interest and future plans (max 1 page A4)
• An abstract of your PhD thesis (max 1 page)
• Links to two publications most valuable to you

You can address your application to Jacco Hoekstra.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• 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. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.