PhD Position in Operational Analysis of New Aircraft Concepts
Develop novel methods to assess how next-generation aircraft (hydrogen, electric, etc.) impact air traffic management, safety, and efficiency.
Best for:Best for aerospace engineers, applied mathematicians, or computer scientists with a passion for air traffic management, simulation modeling, and open-source tool development.
Overview
This PhD position at Delft University of Technology focuses on analyzing how emerging aircraft technologies—such as battery-powered and hydrogen-fueled planes—will transform air traffic management. The project aims to quantify safety, efficiency, and capacity impacts when these aircraft share airspace with conventional traffic, using large-scale simulations and open-source tools like BlueSky. The research will extend simulation frameworks to support policymakers and industry in designing future aviation systems. The candidate will collaborate with TU Delft’s Operations & Environment section and the Dutch Aerospace Laboratory (NLR) within the Dutch Aviation Systems Analysis Lab (DASAL), a collaborative initiative funded by the Dutch national growth fund.
What you'll do
- Develop metrics and models to quantify safety, efficiency, and capacity impacts of mixed aircraft fleets (conventional + new technologies) in air traffic management.
- Extend the open-source air traffic simulator BlueSky to include scenario generation and assessment capabilities for future aviation systems.
- Conduct empirical analysis of large-scale simulations to evaluate how new aircraft types (e.g., hydrogen/electric) affect separation procedures and airspace design.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams at TU Delft and NLR to integrate domain models (e.g., emissions, noise) into the simulation framework.
- Publish research findings and tools in open-access formats to support policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders.
- Present research progress at conferences and workshops within the aviation systems community.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or Computer Science with a focus on aviation or air traffic management.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English proficiency at a level sufficient for academic research, teaching, and publication (e.g., IELTS 6.5 or equivalent).
Instruction: English
- Strong background in physics and mathematics with specialized knowledge in air traffic management (ATM).
- Proficiency in coding, particularly Python, for simulation and modeling tasks.
- Experience with empirical analysis and large-scale data processing.
- Ability to work independently and contribute to collaborative research environments.
- Excellent written and spoken English for academic communication and documentation.
- No specific nationality or residency restrictions mentioned.
- Open to international applicants.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-08
Applicants must submit their application via the university’s online portal by the deadline. Required documents include a CV, motivational letter, course grade summary, and optionally up to three documents demonstrating relevant experience. Applications sent via email or post will not be processed.
- CV
- Motivational letter
- Course grade summary
- Up to 3 documents (or links) showcasing relevant experience (optional)
Contact
Jan Groot· Supervisor
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