PhD Position Full-scale Wind Over Deck Measurements for Drone Operations

Job Description

For the efficient and safe deployment of flying (marine) drones, Ship-Unmanned Aircraft System Operational Limitations (SHUASOL) must be determined. These SHUASOLs are strongly influenced by the wind field above the helideck and around ships. These wind fields are simulated on model scale as standard. For helicopters, the real limits are then determined by a test flight by an experienced test pilot. For small flying drones, these test flights are more challenging since gusts of wind have a greater impact on them. In addition, the goal is to allow drones to fly autonomously without interference from test pilots. That is why knowledge of the real wind fields around a ship and the validation of simulations of these wind fields is extra important.

In this PhD project, you will design and perform full-scale imaging measurements (particle/bubble tracking velocimetry) of the wind field at the landing deck of a marine vessel. The main goal will be to analyse the full-scale wind field, and particularly the structure and magnitude of wind gusts, relevant to flying drone operations at sea and assess how well model-scale measurements and existing numerical simulations can match these measurements. Additionally you will explore the limitations of such techniques in full-scale conditions, with respect to measurement volumes and resolution, as well as calibration, and flow seeding.

You will be part of a vibrant team of international researchers within the Multiphase Systems and Fluid Mechanics groups of the Process & Energy Department. Additionally, you will get to spend time at the Netherlands Defence Academy (NLDA, Den Helder Campus) where the majority of the measurement campaigs will take place. You will receive all the necessart training you need to evolve as an independent researcher and you be able to attend international conferences to present your work. Your supervisors will be Dr. Angeliki Laskari and Dr. Gerrit Elsinga from the Process & Energy Department in TU Delft and Dr. Roeland de Kat from NLDA.

Requirements

You are have a strong interest in experimental fluid dynamics and are motivated to push the boundaries of measurement techniques for full-scale measurements. You also have the following qualifications:

• MSc degree in mechanical, maritime, or aerospace engineering, or a closely related field.
• Strong background in fluid mechanics.Experimental experience of flow measurements in a wind or water tunnel will be considered an advantage.
• Strong mathematical/computational background (Matlab, Python).
• Fluent communication skills in English, both in written and oral. For non-native speakers, this can be proven through IELTS or TOEFL, or by showing that you have attended a master program fully taught in English. Note that this is a hard constraint for all PhD candidates at TU Delft.
• Background screening will be part of the hiring process.

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 €3059 - €3881 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

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr Angeliki Laskari ([email protected]).

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 13 August 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• A detailed CV

• A cover letter explaining why you are the right fit for this position

• Complete list of courses taken during BSc and MSc with grades

• If the applicants are selected for the an interview, they will be asked to provide contact details of at least two referees with their consent.

You can address your application to Dr Angeliki Laskari.

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.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.