Challenge: Airport ecosystems are not ready yet for new hydrogen-powered aircraft.
Change: Develop an evaluation framework for real-life ground operations for hydrogen-powered aircraft.
Job description
To achieve the ambitious goals of climate neutrality by 2050, the aviation sector is actively investing in the development of new disruptive technology, infrastructures, and operational concepts. Hydrogen-powered aircraft and other hydrogen technology are considered to be among the key enablers of the drive towards sustainable air transport operations. Various companies have announced plans to put on the market first hydrogen aircraft by mid-2030s. However, considerable efforts are still to be made to prepare the airport ecosystems to the arrival of these new aircraft. In particular, this includes research and development on required airport infrastructure and operational procedures.
To contribute to these developments, EU Horizon project GOLIAT will develop and demonstrate beyond state-of-the-art technologies as well as the operational framework and economic assessment that will enable widespread use of hydrogen at airports. As a unique contribution, GOLIAT will practically demonstrate ground operations (such as aircraft parking, ground handling, refuelling, manoeuvring) of a small liquid-hydrogen-powered aircraft at three different European airports.These goals will be achieved by joint efforts of technology providers (aircraft and ground support equiptment manufacturers, cryogenic component manufacturers, and standardisation experts), academia, and several European airport operators.
Your main role within the GOLIAT project is to develop and implement in collaboration with other academic and industrial partners a quantitative and qualitative evaluation framework for the demonstration of the ground operations of the hydrogen-powered aircraft at three European airports. The lessons learned from these demonstrations, as well as the identified operational and infrastructure challenges, guidelines and best practices will need to be documented in project deliverables. Moreover, the findings and measurements obtained in these demonstrations will be used for the ongoing techno-economic computational and mathematical modelling and analysis in GOLIAT, in which you will also participate. You will also contribute to writing academic papers, will attend project meetings, and will be actively engaged in collaboration and discussions with the GOLIAT partners and other aviation stakeholders concerning the project. You may also have a limited involvement in teaching activities.
Who are your fellow team members? We are an interdisciplinary and internationally diverse group of some 30 driven assistant and associate professors, lecturers, project managers, PhD candidates, and postdocs. We share the ambition to develop models and tools in which we accumulate our expertise to enable future adaptive and sustainable air transport operations. Fostering an open, friendly, and collaborative atmosphere in which people are approachable, we share knowledge, help each other, and meet socially.
Learn more about the Operations and Environment group (https://www.tudelft.nl/onderwijs/opleidingen/masters/ae/msc-aerospace-engineering/master-tracks/control-operations/programme/operations-and-environment).
The expected starting date is 1st of July 2026.
Job requirements
- Preferably PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
- Strong analytical skills
- Ability to learn independently and passion for applied research
- Proactive team player, open to discussion and constructive criticism
- Previous involvement in (European) projects is a plus
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 a leading international community where innovation in aerospace meets global challenges. Our support and scientific staff, including PhD candidates, postdocs, and students, largely work together on three main themes: the energy transition, sustainable aerospace, and safety and security, with the aim of tackling climate change and contributing to the independence and security of Europe.
When you join us, you become part of a diverse, collaborative, and forward-thinking environment where your ideas and perspectives are valued. Our work extends beyond the lab—into field labs, innovation hubs, and partnerships with other faculties, research institutes, governments, and industry, both locally and globally.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming workplace, assisted by an active Diversity & Inclusion team. This includes tangible support such as funding for extra personnel for family and caregiving responsibilities, mentoring programmes, and initiatives that promote cultural exchange and integration.
You don’t just join our faculty — you join a community where you can thrive, grow, and help shape the future of aerospace.
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 36-40 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. Alexei Sharpanskykh, via o.a.sharpanskykh@tudelft.nl or .
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 6 Mar 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:
- CV
- Motivational letter
- Course grade summary
- Upload the best three documents (or links to resources) that show your experience in the aforementioned topics.
You can address your application to Dr. Alexei Sharpanskykh.
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.
