Postdoc Researcher in Maritime AI and Fuel-Efficient Vessel Operations (m/w/d)

Job Description

Are you passionate about applying artificial intelligence and data-driven methods to enable cleaner, smarter, and safer maritime operations? We are looking for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Maritime & Transport Technology department at TU Delft.

You will be part of the Maritime AI Innovation Lab, working in close collaboration with academic and industrial partners including TU Delft, MARIN, Damen, RH Marine, SafeSystems, Spliethoff, and Ocean AI. The project addresses one of the most urgent challenges in sustainable shipping: how to reduce fuel consumption and emissions under realistic operating conditions, accounting for variable weather and progressive hull fouling.

The candidate will be part of a large team of PhD students working on different aspects of the energy transition in the maritime sector. You will work at Delft University of Technology, in the Department of Maritime & Transport Technology, in the Sustainable Drive and Energy Systems Group, under the supervision and guidance of Dr. Andrea Coraddu.

Your main tasks will include:

• Developing hybrid models that combine physics-based knowledge with AI techniques to predict vessel fuel consumption under operational conditions.
• Designing and validating data-driven biofouling detection and monitoring methods, enabling condition-based maintenance strategies.
• Integrating environmental factors (waves, wind, currents) and operational data into predictive performance models.
• Collaborating with partners to test and validate your methods on real-world datasets and demonstrator platforms.
• Publishing your research in high-impact journals and conferences, and contributing to project deliverables.
• Supervising MSc and PhD students working in related areas.

You will work in a stimulating, interdisciplinary environment, bridging cutting-edge research with industrial relevance. The position provides a unique opportunity to advance the state of the art in maritime digital twins, AI for energy efficiency, and sustainable shipping technologies.

We offer you a dynamic role in an ambitious project that directly contributes to the decarbonisation of the maritime sector, while giving you the freedom to develop your own scientific ideas and collaborations.

Job Requirements

We are looking for an outstanding and enthusiastic postdoc candidate who has expertise and/or strong interest in maritime energy systems, data-driven modelling, and hybrid physics-AI approaches.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD (or is close to completion) in one of the following areas: maritime engineering, mechanical engineering, applied mathematics, computer science, or a related field.

Other characteristics of a suitable candidate:

• Solid background in modelling of dynamic systems and/or machine learning for engineering applications.
• Interest in applying methods to fuel consumption, propulsion, and biofouling monitoring in maritime contexts.
• Experience with data analysis, simulation tools, or digital twins is an advantage.
• Proactive and independent, with the ability to interact effectively with different stakeholders in academia and industry.
• Good communication skills in English (both written and spoken).
• Team player, willing to contribute to the supervision of MSc and PhD students within the group.

Conditions of Employment

• Duration of contract is 1 year Temporary
• A job of 32-40 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

For more information about this vacancy, you can contact Dr Andrea Coraddu, ([email protected]).

Application Procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 24 March 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• A cover letter stating your motivation
• Detailed curriculum vitae (including a list of publications)

You can address your application to Dr. Andrea Coraddu.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
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