Postdoc Prognostics for Future Aviation Batteries

Prognostics & Health Management for Future Aviation Batteries

Job description

This postdoctoral position is part of MODABAT – Modular, Scalable, and Technology-Open Design for Future Aviation Batteries, a project that aims to develop an airworthy battery system for an ultra-efficient regional aircraft with a hybrid-electric propulsion system, targeted for entry into service by 2035. Given the rapid evolution of various battery technologies, it is currently uncertain which specific technology will be suitable for aircraft integration. To address this uncertainty, MODABAT adopts a modular, scalable, and technology-open battery system design approach, ensuring adaptability to the ambitious timeline and the evolving technological landscape of the aviation sector. 

The postdoctoral researcher will focus on developing prognostic methodologies capable of predicting discharge time while accounting for both battery aging and operational conditions. These predictions will provide valuable input for an intelligent, prognostics-based Battery Management System (BMS). Special attention will be given to ensuring that the developed methodology achieves enhanced reliability, robustness, and feasibility, aligning with the targeted entry into service by 2035. 

This position is embedded in the Intelligent Systems Prognostics (iSP) Group within the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology. The group is dedicated to advancing prognostics and health management (PHM) methodologies for aerospace operations and maintenance.     

Job Requirements

Applicant Requirements 

• Educational Background: A PhD degree in engineering, mathematics, or a related field, with a strong background in prognostics and health management (PHM) for engineering systems and structures, as well as expertise in machine learning, stochastic modeling, and Bayesian statistics. 
• Programming Skills: Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C, or R. 
• Teamwork and Responsibility: Ability to work effectively within a project team and to take ownership of individual research objectives. 
• Communication Skills: Excellent proficiency in English, both written and oral. 

The selected candidate will be expected to actively contribute to a dynamic and collaborative environment within the Intelligent Systems Prognostics (iSP) Group for Operations & Maintenance, Department of Aerospace Structures and Materials.    

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 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 

• Duration of contract is 2 years Temporary
• A job of 38-40 hours per week. 
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP. 
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year. 
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages. 
• Flexible working week. 
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget. 
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses. 
• Partially paid parental leave 
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program. 

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. Nick Eleftheroglou, Assistant Professor and Head of the iSP Group, via N.Eleftheroglou@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 19 October 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter explaining your motivation for applying to this position
  
  

You can address your application to Dr. Nick Eleftheroglou, Assistant Professor and Head of the iSP Group. Interviews with shortlisted candidates are expected to take place during the week of 20–24 October 2025.  The anticipated starting date for the position is 1 November 2025. 

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.