In the currently foreseen UTM, small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are mainly intended to operate below 500 ft. in very low level (VLL) operations. Additionally, “no drone” or “limited drone zones” are foreseen. These operations go beyond the scope of traditional AIS/AIM, as they relate to activities on the ground which are extremely relevant for drones but not for traditional manned aviation. Furthermore, drone pilots are often on the ground below the coverage of conventional communication systems (e.g. VHF radios) used for air traffic management (ATM), and use portable control devices.

As part of your PhD, you will work in an international (EU-funded) consortium on an operational concept for aeronautical information management for UTM in Europe. In addition to exploring new processes, services and solutions for UAS aeronautical information management, your PhD work will specifically focus on modelling and validation of these AIM concepts through large-scale traffic simulations. The massive number of expected vehicles you will have to consider will require you to employ novel data science analysis methodologies. You will publish your results in leading, peer-reviewed journals. These publications will be combined in your final dissertation.

The PhD position is funded by the SESAR2020 DREAMS project. You will be working in an international consortium, which means that good proficiency in English (spoken and written) is required. Furthermore, the position requires an MSc in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautics or a comparable degree, thorough knowledge of air traffic management and flight operations, and excellent programming (e.g. C++, Python) and mathematical skills. Preferably, you also have experience in writing scientific reports and papers.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

The 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.
As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit www.tudelft.nl/phd for more information.

For more information, please contact Joost Ellerbroek, e-mail: J.Ellerberoek@tudelft.nl. To apply, please e-mail a detailed CV and letter of application by 30 September 2017 to Joost Ellerbroek, J.Ellerbroek@tudelft.nl.
When applying, please refer to vacancy number LR17-28.
If your MSc diploma and transcript are not in Dutch, English, French or German and you will be the selected candidate, the TU Delft will ask you to deliver a certified translation.

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.

Aerospace Engineering

The Control and Operations Department houses the aerospace operations expertise of the Aerospace Engineering Faculty at the TU Delft and focuses on improving the safety and efficiency of air transport while mitigating environmental effects. The concentration of all operational knowledge, modelling, and tools lies at the basis of the department’s strategy for the future, which is to further improve the faculty’s research and educational programme and its ties with national and international developments.

The Control and Simulation (C&S) section of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering aims to advance the development of autonomous control systems and combined human-machine systems in aerospace, building on a solid theoretical basis and physical insights while exploiting theoretical progress in adjacent fields, and to validate these systems experimentally in world-class facilities, effectively closing the loop between theory and practice.
C&S aims to be a leading research group in the integration, development, and testing of new theories on control, autonomous, and cognitive systems (with and without human elements).