In the context of the Clean Aviation project HERWING-T we are looking for three PhD candidates to respectively work within the department of Flow Physics and Technology and Aerospace Structures and Materials. The research topic focuses on the aerodynamic, aeroacoustic and structural design of strut-braced wings with high-lift devices and active flow control mechanisms. More in detail the three positions are:

1) PhD 1: Joint aerodynamics and aerospace structures and materials

PhD 1 will focus on experimental active flow control of separating flows over novel high-lift devices such as morphing flaps. Flow control methods such as active blowing/suction, synthetic jets and plasma actuators will be considered.

2) PhD 2: Joint aeroacoustics and aerodynamics

PhD 2 will focus on the low and mid-fidelity aerodynamic design of strut-braced wings with focus on a reduced aeroacoustic impact. Analysis of the junction flow effects and of the high-lift functionalities will be carried out with coupled experimental and numerical activities.

3) PhD 3: Aerospace structures and materials

PhD 3 will focus on the aeroelastic tailoring of the new generation strut-braced wings, to build up knowledge for multi-functional strut design and finally to the development of a functional morphing strut.

We are a young and energetic team, offering a stimulating and inclusive environment for developing your academic and research skills. The project features a variety of experimental, theoretical and numerical tools towards understanding and controlling relevant flows to the aerospace domain, with our ultimate goal to improve sustainability of aviation.

For the PhD projects, we are looking for candidates willing to work in a multi-disciplinary team, with key staff members from the complementary fields of Aerodynamics, Aeroacoustics and Aerospace Structures and Materials. Affinity with at least one of: wind-tunnel testing, experimental measurement techniques (PIV, HWA, IR thermography), sensors and actuators, flow stability and control is necessary. Basic knowledge of numerical techniques or standard packages such as Matlab, LabView, PIV processing packages is considered an advantage.

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.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

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 € 2541 per month in the first year to € 3247 in the fourth year. 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 sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

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 250 PhD candidates and over 2,700 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.