Assistant Professor in Artificial Intelligence for Aerospace Structures

Job Description

The design, manufacturing, and operation of aerospace structures generate rapidly growing volumes of data, creating new opportunities to improve structural performance and reliability. This role focuses on developing and applying Artificial Intelligence methods to combine heterogeneous data sources such as experimental sensor measurements, numerical simulations, and operational data into actionable information. The aim is to enhance the trustworthiness of predictive models for aerospace structures.

You will contribute to advancing AI for Aerospace Structures, for example by integrating experimental data with physics based structural analysis methods. This includes assessing damage initiation and propagation under static and cyclic loading, as well as evaluating damage tolerance. You will be part of the Department of Aerospace Structures and Materials (ASM), which has a strong track record in research and education across materials, manufacturing processes, structural diagnostics and prognostics, sensor systems, structural design and analysis, and material and structural characterisation techniques.

Education is a core component of this position. You will teach at BSc and MSc level and supervise PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers. You are expected to articulate a clear and coherent vision on education in data science, artificial intelligence, and their application to structural design, analysis, and monitoring. You will contribute to mentoring, academic leadership, and the development of people and teams.

The department fosters close collaboration across disciplines and with industry partners, offering a strong environment for innovative research and teaching. TU Delft provides an inclusive and stimulating academic setting, with attention to mentoring, work life balance, and professional development. As an Assistant Professor, you will participate in the Academic Career Track, supported by structured mentoring and career development opportunities.

Job Requirements

• You are passionate about aerospace research and education and have relevant experience in this field.
• You are motivated to contribute to future aircraft and can articulate how your work advances sustainable aviation.
• You hold a PhD and have a demonstrable academic background in aerospace engineering with a strong focus on structural mechanics.
• You have affinity with artificial intelligence, data science, and data analytics.
• You have experience in structural design and analysis, composite structures, or damage and fracture mechanics.
• You have experience in teaching and supervising students, with an inclusive and supportive approach.
• You have excellent English communication skills; willingness to learn Dutch is supported.

Conditions of Employment

This position is offered as an Academic Career Track position (0.8 - 1.0 FTE). 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. You will start with a temporary contract that will be converted to a permanent contract no later than 12 -18 months after a positive evaluation, based on continuous confidence in your development potential and fit in the organisation.

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 this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Roeland de Breuker, via Prof.dr.ir. Roeland de Breuker or .

Application Procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 31 May 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter

You can address your application to Roeland de Breuker.

About the Process

• All applications will be reviewed by the selection committee by 12 June 2026. By that date, you will be informed whether you have been shortlisted for the next round.

• Depending on the number of shortlisted candidates, one or two interview rounds will take place:

• If two rounds are organised, the first will be conducted online and the second in person.

• If only one round is required, it will take place in person.

• Interviews (online and/or in person) will be held between 29 June and 10 July 2026.

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.