X-ray Enhanced Prognostics for Composite StructuresJob descriptionOffshore wind energy is a cornerstone of Europe’s transition to a carbon-neutral energy system. As offshore wind capacity in the Netherlands rapidly expands and existing assets age, there is an urgent need for cost-effective and sustainable maintenance strategies. Wind turbine blades are among the most failure-prone components due to their composite construction, large size, and exposure to harsh cyclic loading. Current inspection-based maintenance approaches often lead to conservative lifetime estimates, premature blade replacement, and significant economic and material losses.
This postdoctoral position is essential to enabling predictive maintenance and circular end-of-life strategies for offshore wind turbine blades. The role focuses on developing advanced prognostic models that can reliably predict the Remaining Useful Life (RUL) of wind turbine blades' components. By transforming diagnostic inspection data into actionable predictions, the work will directly contribute to reducing downtime, lowering operational costs, and improving the sustainability of offshore wind operations.
You will develop, implement, and validate prognostic models for composite blade structures, with a focus on integrating diagnostic information from advanced Digital X-ray inspections into physics-informed prognostic frameworks. Key responsibilities include uncertainty quantification and management in RUL predictions, model validation using experimental data, and contributing to scientific publications and project deliverables.
The position is based at TU Delft and is part of a close collaboration with SpectX, an industrial partner specializing in Digital X-ray diagnostics.
This role is embedded within the Intelligent Systems Prognostics (iSP) Group in the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology. The iSP Group is dedicated to advancing prognostics and health management (PHM) methodologies for engineering systems and structures, supporting efficient and reliable operations and maintenance.
Job requirements - Educational Background: A PhD degree in engineering, mathematics, or a related field, with a strong background in prognostics for engineering systems and structures. Experience with composite materials is considered an advantage.
- Programming Skills: Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C, and/or R.
- Experimental Expertise: Demonstrated experience in experimental research, including structural health monitoring (SHM) techniques.
- Critical Thinking and Scientific Leadership: Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to independently define research directions, and lead key technical aspects of the project.
- Teamwork and Responsibility: Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary project team while taking ownership of individual research objectives and deliverables.
- Communication Skills: Excellent proficiency in English, both written and oral, with the ability to communicate research outcomes clearly to academic and industrial stakeholders.
The selected candidate is expected to actively contribute to a dynamic and collaborative research environment within the Intelligent Systems Prognostics (iSP) for Operations & Maintenance Group, Department of Aerospace Structures and Materials, Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology.
TU Delft (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 Aerospace EngineeringThe Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is a leading international community where innovation in aerospace meets global challenges. Our support and scientific staff, including PhD candidates, postdocs, and students, largely work together on three main themes: the energy transition, sustainable aerospace, and safety and security, with the aim of tackling climate change and contributing to the independence and security of Europe.
When you join us, you become part of a diverse, collaborative, and forward-thinking environment where your ideas and perspectives are valued. Our work extends beyond the lab—into field labs, innovation hubs, and partnerships with other faculties, research institutes, governments, and industry, both locally and globally.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming workplace, assisted by an
active Diversity & Inclusion team. This includes tangible support such as funding for extra personnel for family and caregiving responsibilities, mentoring programmes, and initiatives that promote cultural exchange and integration.
You don’t just join our faculty — you join a community where you can thrive, grow, and help shape the future of aerospace.
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here to go to the website of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering.
Conditions of employment - Duration of contract is 18 months Temporary
- A job of 36-40 hours per week.
- Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
- An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
- The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
- Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
- Flexible working week.
- Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
- Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
- Partially paid parental leave
- Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.
Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit,
Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A
Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands. .
Additional informationIf you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Dr. Nick Eleftheroglou, Assistant Professor and Head of the iSP Group, via N.Eleftheroglou@tudelft.nl or .
Application procedureAre you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 28 Feb 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:
You can address your application to Dr. Nick Eleftheroglou, Assistant Professor and Head of the iSP Group.
Interviews with shortlisted candidates are expected to take place at the beginning of March 2026. The anticipated starting date for the position is between April and June 2026.
Please note: - You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
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