Assistant Professor in Predictive Modelling and Simulation of Rotorcraft and VTOL Aircraft

Help shape the future of safe and sustainable vertical flight. At TU Delft, you will advance predictive modelling and simulation tools for rotorcraft and Vertical Take off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft developed within the future Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) while collaborating with researchers, industry and students to develop next-generation aerospace technologies.

Background: Transport and mobility are undergoing a major transformation. More than a thousand Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft concepts are currently being developed as a future mobility, many of them electric or hybrid-electric. These aircraft aim to transform urban and regional mobility as part of the emerging Advanced Air Mobility ecosystem. Ensuring their safety and certification is therefore a crucial challenge. Modelling and simulation (M&S) play a key role in enabling early risk identification, system validation and informed design decisions before real-world deployment.

At the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering of TU Delft, you will work in one of the world’s leading aerospace research and education environments. The faculty hosts internationally renowned research groups and world-class experimental and simulation facilities that support pioneering work in aviation, space and sustainable mobility. Within this environment, the Department of Control and Operations brings together expertise in modelling and simulation, human-machine interaction, control, guidance and navigation, air traffic management, and environmental impact modelling.

Job description: As Assistant Professor in Predictive Modelling and Simulation of Rotorcraft and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Vehicles for Next-Generation Flight Control and Handling Qualities Investigations you will develop innovative modelling and simulation approaches that support the safe operation and certification of current and future vertical flight systems. Your research may include immersive and predictive modelling, simulation of coupled flight dynamics, stability and control analysis, simulator fidelity, handling qualities assessments, prediction of pilot-induced or pilot-assisted oscillations, and the synthesis of flight control laws. You may also explore immersive simulation environments using Extended Reality (XR), as well as optimization and artificial intelligence approaches for certification through simulation.

You will establish a distinctive research line focused on modelling and simulation for rotorcraft and VTOL aircraft and contribute to advancing Advanced Air Mobility technologies. Collaboration is central to this role. You will work closely with colleagues across disciplines within the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, engage with national and international research partners, and build strong connections with industry and governmental organisations active in aviation and vertical flight innovation.

The position includes defining and supervising MSc and PhD research projects, attracting research funding and building collaborative research programmes. You will also contribute to education within BSc and MSc programmes of Aerospace Engineering and the MSc Control and Operations track, working closely with colleagues to deliver high-quality teaching and inspire the next generation of aerospace engineers.

You will join an internationally diverse and collegial department where knowledge sharing, interdisciplinary collaboration and teamwork are central. Together with colleagues, students and partners, you will contribute to research and education that address the major challenges facing future aviation.

Job requirements

• You hold a PhD in Aerospace Engineering or a closely related field.
• You have strong expertise in modelling and simulation, particularly applied to vertical flight systems.
• You have experience in one or more relevant areas such as flight dynamics modelling, simulation, data analysis, handling qualities, or rotorcraft and VTOL design.
• You demonstrate research potential through publications and a developing or established scientific track record.
• You have the ability to attract research funding and build collaborative national and international networks.
• You are motivated to teach and supervise MSc and PhD students and enjoy working closely with colleagues and partners in education and research.
• You communicate clearly and work collaboratively in an international and inclusive environment.
• You have an excellent command of English and are willing to learn Dutch within a reasonable timeframe.

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.

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 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.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming workplace, assisted by an active Diversity & Inclusion team. This includes tangible support such as funding for extra personnel for family and caregiving responsibilities, mentoring programmes, and initiatives that promote cultural exchange and integration.

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

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

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 €3546 - €5538 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.  

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, offers information on their website 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. Marilena Pavel, via mpavel@tudelft.nl or .

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 21 Jun 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter

You can address your application to Dr. Marilena Pavel.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements. 

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.
• Applying for an exemption for specific research and educational areas is an obligatory part of the selection procedure for this vacancy. This exemption must be obtained from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) before an employment contract is agreed upon. Click here for more information.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services