To achieve important goals of the aviation industry to become even greener and more sustainable, advanced technological solutions and novel concepts of operation are needed. One of such innovative operational and technological solutions is airport surface movement based on autonomous and non-autonomous engine-off taxiing.  Non-autonomous engine off taxiing may be realised with the aircraft using other external means to taxi (e.g. towing trucks, taxibot). Autonomous engine off taxiing may be implemented by e.g., electric motors added to the main landing gear.

In this PhD project, a novel concept of such taxiing operations will be developed, implemented and analysed, with a particular focus on vehicle routing and multi-aircraft path planning and scheduling. To address this challenge, AI-based planning techniques, such as multiagent path finding, possibly combined with machine learning methods, is a promising way forward.
Research will be done in the context of EU SESAR project AEON, in close collaboration with academic and industrial partners (such as airports, producers of equipment for electric taxiing).

The position is intended as a full-time appointment, and the work will take place at the TU Delft. The researcher will have to work with several European partners and support project administration.

The successful candidate has:

• A Master of Science degree in the areas of aerospace engineering, computer science, applied mathematics, mechanical engineering or other related areas
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills
• Strong programming skills, preferably in Python
• Excellent communication skills in spoken and written English
• Creativity, positive attitude, and perseverance
• Knowledge of multi-agent systems and AI is an asset

Fixed-term contract: 4 jaar.

TU Delft offers PhD-candidates a 4-year contract, with an official go/no go progress assessment after one year. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2395 per month in the first year to € 3061 in the fourth year. 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 sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

Delft University of Technology

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 and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Aerospace Engineering

The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is one of the world’s most highly ranked (and most comprehensive) research, education and innovation communities devoted entirely to aerospace engineering. More than 200 science staff, around 250 PhD candidates and over 2,700 BSc and MSc students apply aerospace engineering disciplines to address the global societal challenges that threaten us today, climate change without doubt being the most important. Our focal subjects: sustainable aerospace, big data and artificial intelligence, bio-inspired engineering and smart instruments and systems. Working at the faculty means working together. With partners in other faculties, knowledge institutes, governments and industry, both aerospace and non-aerospace. Working in field labs and innovation hubs on our university campus and beyond.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering.