Challenge: Aviation ecosystems are not ready yet for new zero-emission aircraft.
Change: Develop optimisation and simulation models for airport and airline operations for zero-emission 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. Electric, hybrid-electric, and hydrogen-powered aircraft are considered to be key enablers towards sustainable aviation. Existing equipment manufacturers and startups have announced plans to produce a range of these (near-) zero-emission aircraft in the coming decades.
However, considerable efforts are still to be made to prepare the aviation ecosystem, airports in particular, for these new aircraft. It is expected that in the future, to balance the demand and supply of different sources of energy, (near-)zero emission aircraft with different propulsion systems will operate next to each other, and airports would need to provide the necessary infrastructure, and ensure safe and efficient handling of these aircraft. Furthermore, to ensure a proper integration of (near-)zero emission aircraft in the aviation system, airport operations and infrastructure need to be well aligned with the strategic and tactical decisions of airlines.
Your unique challenge as a PhD candidate at TU Delft is to develop concepts, optimisation and simulation models, and tools to facilitate integration of electric, hybrid-electric, and hydrogen-powered aircraft into airport and airline operations and infrastructure. Requirements related to the airport infrastructure and aircraft ground handling differ depending on the energy carrier and the propulsion system of the aircraft. In particular, for electric aircraft, charging infrastructure and related operations need to be addressed, whereas for hydrogen-powered aircraft, hydrogen storage, distribution, and refuelling need to be considered. Furthermore, novel aircraft will require additional safety measures, which may influence other performance areas of airport operations. At the same time, the novel airport procedures and aircraft performance will impact the fleet development and tactical schedulling of airlines. Hence, to support the roll-out of such new technologies, it is recommended to build methods that bring airline and airport decisions closer together.
During the first two years, you will be involved in the EU SESAR-funded ZENITIA project, which is well aligned with the goals of this PhD. Your main activity in this project will be modelling of airport operations and infrastructure for (near-)zero emission aircraft. You will also interact with the stakeholders involved in this project, like ground controllers or airport operators, and incorporate their requirements. In addition, you will contribute to project deliverables. You will be working closely with international project partners, like universities Carlos III of Madrid, Cambridge, University College London, and Boeing Germany. In the remaining two years of your PhD, you will also integrate airline networks into your modelling.
You will, of course, be writing papers and attending conferences. In addition, you will supervise labs and coach master students during their graduation research under the flag of the Operations and Environment section. 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. And you will get all the support and training you need to evolve and grow as a researcher.
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)
Job requirements
Accelerating the future of sustainable air transport operations. That’s the drive you share with us. You put your analytical skills to good use, creating mathematical models and translating them into optimisation algorithms and programs. You work well both independently and in collaboration with academic researchers and industrial stakeholders, for which you harness your communication skills. And you enjoy coaching master students, while developing your own skills and competencies.
You also have:
- An MSc in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Research, Transportation Engineering, or another relevant subject.
- Very good analytical, modelling, optimisation, and Python programming skills.
- Knowledge of aircraft technology and performance models is a plus.
- A good command of spoken and written English, as you’ll be working in an internationally diverse community, participating in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and writing scientific articles and a PhD thesis. For more details, please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.
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
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
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:
- Motivational letter
- Detailed CV
- Copies of your BSc and MSc degrees and transcripts
- Names and contact information of at least two relevant references. We will not contact the references without your consent.
You can address your application to Dr. Alexei Sharpanskykh.
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.
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