We live in an era where artificial intelligence (AI) stands as a beacon of innovation, where advances in machine learning (ML) profoundly impact many aspects of our society. Nevertheless, the use of ML or other new AI -based approaches in the discipline of engineering design of functional structures, mechanical components and mechanisms, is still in its infancy. The traditional approach to engineering design has usually relied on the intuition of seasoned engineers. Yet the popularity of systematic procedures based on the field of optimization, such as topology optimization, is steadily rising. At Delft University of Technology we recognize the immense potential AI holds in revolutionizing computational design, with the objective of “learning” highly-performant geometries for a broad range of engineering design problems. Currently used state-of-the-art techniques yield suboptimal designs or require excessive computation time. We are convinced that AI techniques will be a crucial component of the solution to tackle these challenges.

This is an opportunity to develop and realize your vision in this exciting new research field. As an Assistant Professor you will be at the forefront of a movement that will redefine the field of engineering design. By joining the Computational Design and Mechanics research group you become part of an international team of professors. We are all committed to make an impact on industry and society through advancing computational design methods. Within our team you will explore and lead the integration of AI and Machine Learning for computational engineering design. You will grow your academic and industrial network, acquire funding and build and coach your own team of PhD students and postdocs. Furthermore you will educate our Bachelor and Master students in AI algorithms applied to engineering design. Our group and the Department will provide you with all the support, training and coaching you need to evolve and grow your career. To give you a flying start, a start-up package with a fully funded PhD student (4 years) and a state-of-the-art computing cluster are available.

You thrive on taking the lead in developing your own field of research on combining Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning and computational design. You enjoy building relevant networks and are able to attract funding. In addition the following applies:

• You have a PhD degree and postdoctoral experience with a track record in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML).
• Your past research involves the development and use of AI/ML for generation/modification of geometry. Note that a background in AI/ML for uses that do not involve geometry, such as material modeling, is not a match for this position.
• Your involvement with AI/ML goes beyond application of preexisting techniques. Inclusion of development of new frameworks or methodologies, and/or innovative ways to apply these is a strong plus.
• Experience in adapting Artificial Intelligence techniques for any of the following applications is desired: geometric design, geometry manipulation, generative design, design optimization, computational design, computational geometry, performance simulation (finite element analysis), mechanical functionality.
• Next to research, this position involves teaching. An interest in working with students and developing courses is expected.
• You have a good command of English, as you will be working in an internationally diverse community.

Where applicable, please highlight specifics regarding the points above in your application letter.

Fixed-term contract: 15 months.

This position is offered as an Academic Career Track position (0.8 – 1.0 FTE). During the Academic Career Track, we expect you to grow towards an Associate Professor position within a maximum of eight years, for which a position will be available. With other Academic Career Track colleagues, you will participate in the Academic Career Track Development programme, where you are offered ample opportunities to develop yourself in the areas of Education, Research, Societal Impact & Innovation, and Leadership & Organisation. You will regularly discuss your development and results with senior staff based on a personalized development plan and performance criteria agreed upon at the start of your Academic Career Track. You will start with a temporary contract that will be converted to a permanent contract no later than 12 -18 months after a positive evaluation, based on continuous confidence in your development potential and fit in the organisation.

Inspiring, excellent education is our central aim. We expect you to obtain a University Teaching Qualification (UTQ) within three years if you have less than five years of teaching experience. This is provided by the TU Delft UTQ programme as part of the Academic Career Track Development programme.

TU Delft sets high standards for the English competency of the teaching staff. The TU Delft offers training to improve English competency. If you do not speak Dutch, we offer courses to learn the Dutch language within three years.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (salary indication for Assistant Professor: € 4.332 - € 6.737). The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged and you can work partly from home.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service addresses the needs of new international employees and those of their partners and families. The Coming to Delft Service offers personalised assistance during the preparation of the relocation, finding housing and schools for children (if applicable). In addition, a Dual Career Programme for partners is offered. The Coming to Delft Service will do their best to help you settle in the Netherlands.

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 as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the 3mE faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

3mE is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in 3mE’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.