The aerospace industry is in a continuous quest for more efficient lightweight structural materials with added functionalities. Tailored polymer matrices are key to control the processing and final characteristics of fibre reinforced polymers. Whether thermoset or thermoplastic, the thorough understanding of structure property relationship of polymers is essential to explore novel manufacturing concepts for fibre reinforced polymers. The candidate will explore novel combinations of polymers through formulation to achieve unprecedented functional control, such as reaction kinetics, dynamic phase behaviour, morphology, self-assembly orientation, processability, wetting and fracture toughness to serve as matrix systems for novel manufacturing concepts for high performance fibre reinforced polymer composites. Next to the experimental approach, the numerical prediction of phase behaviour and blend morphologies through multi-scale analyses including molecular dynamics is of particular interest. All polymer concepts supporting sustainability and recycling approaches for composites are to be considered. Being associated to the aerospace manufacturing technologies group, you will be closely cooperating with colleagues across the faculty. Next to the research activity which includes co-supervision of PhD students, you will also contribute to teaching aerospace engineering students at both the undergraduate and graduate level.

This position is in the department of Aerospace Materials and Structures which is dedicated to research and development of new materials and lightweight structures. Multiple groups cover the range from fundamental material science to full-scale structural component testing. Within this department, the Aerospace Manufacturing Technology (AMT) group focuses on product and process innovation with advanced polymer composites. Its interdisciplinary research between materials science, engineering and manufacturing works at the interface of curiosity driven research and industrial technologies. For more information see https://www.tudelft.nl/ae/amt

You are an enthusiastic personality with excellent qualifications and an academic or industrial background in related fields. You have a passion for scientific detail and an affinity for experimental work, which reflects in an excellent scientific track record and you are very well networked in academia and industry. You enjoy teaching at graduate and undergraduate level and you have demonstrated to successfully coach PhD students. Experience with acquisition of funding for (collaborative) research projects in both fundamental and applied technology is prerequisite. 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 aerospace manufacturing technologies group, the faculty and TU Delft.

Fixed-term contract: 6 years.

A tenure-track position is offered for six years. In the fifth year we’ll decide if you will be offered a permanent faculty position, based on performance indicators agreed upon at the start of the appointment. We expect that you have the potential to grow towards an Associate Professor and/or Full Professor role in the future.

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.
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. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount 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. An International Children's Centre offers childcare and there is an international primary school.

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.