The aerospace industry is in a continuous quest for increased efficiency in maintenance operations, to meet challenging safety and operations standards in an economically sustainable way. With the increasing focus on predictive maintenance, rapid development of sensing technology paired with the availability of large amounts of data in aviation, efficient automated data analysis related to monitor aircraft health gains a special importance. Development and application of advanced machine learning and data mining techniques is necessary to better understand and improve aircraft maintenance operations.

The section of Air Transport & Operations plays a leading role in European aircraft maintenance research, participating in and coordinating several major European research projects, and has developed an advanced knowledge base regarding predictive maintenance and decision support. The section aims to further substantiate this position. The aim of the tenure track position is twofold: 1) explore the potential of novel models and methods for predictive maintenance, leveraging our unique access to operational and maintenance data to improve identification, diagnosis and prediction of maintenance events; 2) leverage the results of the predictive maintenance theme in the development, implementation and validation of decision support models and tools for improved maintenance operations. In particular, the development and subsequent application of data-driven and hybrid models is an aim for both tracks, with significant possibilities to develop ‘human-in-the-loop’ decision models. As part of the Air Transport & Operations group, you will be closely cooperating with colleagues on related topics.

In this position, you will be expected to:

• develop courses and conduct teaching at undergraduate and post-graduate levels;
• perform top-quality research in the field of aircraft maintenance, with the focus on the development of (big)data-mining, machine learning, artificial intelligence and decision-support methods;
• establish and execute an externally-funded research programme;
• interact and collaborate with other researchers and specialists in academia and / or industry;
• be an inspiring member of our staff and have excellent communication skills.  

We are looking for an enthusiastic personality with a PhD degree in computer science, artificial intelligence, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline. You have a passion for scientific detail and an affinity for both methodological and applied aspects of science, which reflects in an excellent scientific track record. You are very well networked in academia and industry. You enjoy teaching at graduate and undergraduate level and you have demonstrated a capability to successfully coach students. Experience with acquisition of funding for (collaborative) research projects is highly recommended. Proven management, communication and people skills as well as a good command of English complement our profile. We expect the candidate to be a strong team player and competent in effectively cooperating within the Air Transport & Operations group, the faculty and the TU Delft.

Fixed-term contract: Tenure Track.

At the start of the tenure-track you will be appointed as Assistant Professor for the duration of six years. Section leader, department leaders and you will agree upon expected performance and (soft) skills. You will receive formal feedback on performance and skills during annual assessment meetings and the mid-term evaluation. If the performance and skills are evaluated positively at the end of the tenure track, you will be appointed in a permanent Assistant Professor position. 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. TU Delft sets specific standards for the English competency of the teaching staff.  TU Delft offers training to improve English competency. Inspiring, excellent education is our central aim. If you have less than five years of experience and do not yet have your teaching certificate, we allow you up to three years to obtain this.

Technische Universiteit Delft

Delft University of Technology (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. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

Faculty Aerospace Engineering

The faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is one of the world's largest faculties devoted entirely to aerospace engineering. In the Netherlands it is the only research and education institute directly related to the aerospace engineering sector. It covers the whole spectrum of aerospace engineering subjects. In aeronautics, the faculty covers subjects ranging from aerodynamics and flight propulsion to structures and materials and from control and simulation to air transport and operations. In astronautics, topics include astrodynamics, space missions and space systems engineering. The faculty has around 2,700 BSc and MSc students, 225 PhD candidates and 27 professors supported by scientific staff.

The faculty's mission is to be the best Aerospace Engineering faculty in the world, inspiring and educating students through modern education techniques and enabling staff to perform ambitious research of the highest quality for the future of aerospace. The working atmosphere at the faculty is friendly, open-minded and dedicated.