Composite structures in aerospace and wind energy are becoming larger, lighter, and more complex, while early-stage damage often remains invisible until critical failure occurs. In this PhD position, you will combine Quantum Photonic Vibrometry (QPV) with AI-driven vibration analysis to detect micro-scale damage at an early stage. You will work with leading academic and industry partners to develop safer and more sustainable engineering systems.
Job Description
As a PhD candidate at TU Delft, you will investigate how advanced vibration measurements and interpretable AI models can improve the early detection of structural damage in composite materials. Your research will focus on combining high-precision Quantum Photonic Vibrometry with machine learning techniques capable of identifying subtle changes in structural behaviour.
You will design and conduct vibration experiments using QPV sensing systems and analyse complex measurement data to identify signatures of micro-scale damage. In parallel, you will develop advanced and interpretable AI models for damage detection and condition monitoring, with a strong focus on robustness, explainability, and practical applicability.
Part of the project involves deploying lightweight AI models on reservoir computing devices and edge AI hardware, enabling efficient and scalable real-time monitoring solutions. You will collaborate closely with academic researchers and industrial partners, contributing to both fundamental research and application-driven innovation.
You will become part of a supportive and international research team within TU Delft, with access to state-of-the-art sensing facilities, advanced computational resources, and collaborative industrial environments. The position offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of quantum sensing, artificial intelligence, and structural integrity for aerospace and renewable energy applications.
Job Requirements
- A Master’s degree in engineering, physics, applied mathematics, or a related field.
- Affinity with vibration measurement and analysis, AI or machine learning, and/or signal processing.
- Experience with programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, or similar tools.
- An analytical and creative mindset with an interest in developing innovative methods.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently within a research project.
- Excellent English communication skills, both written and spoken.
- Interest in working in a multidisciplinary and international research environment.
- Motivation to contribute to research with societal and industrial impact in aerospace and renewable energy.
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 Vahid Yaghoubi, via v.yaghoubi@tudelft.nl or .
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 28 Jun 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:
- Detailed CV (up to two pages).
- Motivational letter (up to one page).
- BSc and MSc Transcripts.
- Master thesis and scientific papers that you have written in English.
You can address your application to Vahid Yaghoubi. Candidates will be evaluated on a rolling basis, so please apply as soon as possible.
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.
- Applying for an exemption for specific research and educational areas is an obligatory part of the selection procedure for this vacancy. This exemption must be obtained from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) before an employment contract is agreed upon. Click here for more information.
- Please do not contact us for unsolicited services
