The Department of Maritime and Transport Technology and the Delft Center for Systems and Control of the Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering are seeking qualified candidates for a one-year position as a post-doctoral fellow within the research area of system integration and autonomous operation of construction crane vessels.

The challenge: Highly automated vessels are needed for offshore transportation and construction to improve the safety and operational efficiency of the construction work. Adaptive control systems for construction vessels that can handle changing conditions during offshore installation works could help with achieving autonomous operation of construction vessels. 

To achieve this goal, we need to develop an integrated simulation model that can reliably capture the dynamics of the vessel-crane system under different environmental conditions and loads, and supplement it with the design of adaptive controllers for synchronized operation of cranes and propulsion system. Four main systems should be integrated: vessel dynamics, hydraulic crane, propulsion system, and (adaptive) control system. The parameters of both the vessel and the crane should be made adaptable to different construction stages and environmental conditions (including higher sea states). The adaptive control system should be designed to handle the changes during off-shore construction operations and improve the safety and operational efficiency in the presence of uncertainties within the system. 

We are looking for a candidate with a PhD degree in Systems and Control, Mechanical Engineering, Maritime Engineering or a closely related discipline, with a strong background in Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics and/or guidance, navigation and control of vessels. An excellent  publication record will be evaluated very positively. A good command of the English language is required.    

Fixed-term contract: 1 year.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

For more information about this position, please contact Dr Milinko Godjevac, e-mail: m.godjevac@tudelft.nl and Dr Simone Baldi, e-mail: s.baldi@tudelft.nl. To apply, please e-mail an up-to-date, detailed curriculum vitae, a motivation letter (not more than ½ A4), and the names and contact information (telephone number and e-mail address) of two references by 15 April to: application-3mE@tudelft.nl. When applying for this position, please refer to vacancy number 3ME18-19.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology (the TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. The TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At the TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. The TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

https://www.tudelft.nl

Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

The 3mE Faculty trains committed engineering students, PhD candidates and post-doctoral researchers in groundbreaking scientific research in the fields of mechanical, maritime and materials engineering. 3mE is the epitome of a dynamic, innovative faculty, with a European scope that contributes demonstrable economic and social benefits.

The Department of Maritime and Transport Technology (MTT) studies how to develop, design, build and operate marine, dredging and transport systems and their equipment. New generation transport and marine systems require the further development of the knowledge of the dynamics and the physical processes involved in transport, dredging and marine systems, the logistics of the systems and the interaction between the equipment and control systems.

The Delft Center for Systems and Control (DCSC) coordinates the education and research activities in systems and control at Delft University of Technology. The Center's research mission is to conduct fundamental research in systems dynamics and control, involving dynamic modelling, advanced control theory, optimisation and signal analysis. The research is motivated by advanced technology development in applications such as physical imaging systems, robotics and transportation systems.    

https://www.tudelft.nl/en/3me