How can the hydrogen induced degradation in a hydrogen fuel storage system be managed to achieve continued airworthiness?
The drive towards climate neutrality in the aviation sector calls for impactful innovations without comprising aviation safety. Within the scope of the Dutch-funded HAPSS project led by Concious Aerospace, we are developing a hydrogen-electric propulsion system to be integrated into an existing Dash 8-300 aircraft, aiming for certification by EASA in 2028.
As a postdoc at TU Delft, you will work closely with Concious Aerospace and researchers at TU Delft, to develop novel and certificaton ready development approaches for a reliable and airworthy hydrogen fuel storage system.
Your research will be a part of a dedicated workpage within HAPSS project on hydrogen induced degradation and continued airworthiness. You will build on the current project progress on hydrogen induced degradation mechanisms, and:
- Expand damage tolerance analysis metholodogies to account for hydrogen induced degradation.
- Establish inspection intervals and maintenance strategies for hydrogen induced degradation.
- Assess the effectiveness of non-destructive inspection techniques for detecting hydrogen-induced damage in representative metallic structures, and develop approaches to integrate inspection into damage-tolerant design strategies and maintenance programs.
- Develop comprehensive design guidelines that incorporate hydrogen-induced effects into the aircraft design philosophy for ensuring continued airworthiness.
- Disseminate the results via journal articles and scientific conferences.
You will be based in the Aerospace Structures and Materials department of Aerospace Engineering faculty, working closely with Dr Nan Yue and Dr John-Alan Pasce.
You will have opportunities to contribute to university education activities, including teaching and student supervision.
Job requirements
- A PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, Applied Physics or other relevant subject.
- Strong scientific background and research experience in facture mechanics and fatigue.
- Familiar with risk analysis and risk management.
- Ability and curiosity to engage with multi-disciplinary stakeholders.
- Good collaboration and communication skills with both academic colleagues and industrial project partners.
- Ability to conduct independent research and publish scientific results.
- Experience with cryogenic systems or non-destructive testing is a plus.
TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.
For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.
At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.
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 18 months. Temporary.
- A job of 38-40 hours per week.
- Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch
- 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. Nan Yue, N.Yue@tudelft.nl.
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 10 December 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:
You can address your application to Nan Yue and John-Alan Pascoe. The application will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Please note:
- To protect your personal data, we only accept applications submitted via the ‘Apply’ button advertised under the vacancies on our website. Applications and additional information sent by email or through other channels, including unsolicited applications, will not be considered or responded to. This also applies to open applications.
- 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.
