Foundation Generative AI Models enable next wave of intelligent automation across numerous industries. This project develops scalable multi-modal models and translates them into real-world systems.Job descriptionFoundation Models lie at the core of today’s Generative AI revolution, enabling systems that can learn from massive, heterogeneous data, generalize across tasks, and empower increasingly autonomous and adaptive technologies. They are transforming how we approach complex cognitive tasks, from perception and reasoning to generation and decision-making, and are rapidly becoming the backbone of next-generation industrial AI. Within the NWO Perspectief program Foundation Models for Industry (FIND), this PhD position aims to advance multi-modal foundation models that operate across diverse industrial data types, including vision, radar, text, multi-spectral satellite imagery, and molecular data, and translate them into real-world impact in domains such as Electric Mobility and Robotics, Molecular Discovery, Smart Industry, and Remote Sensing.
The project will explore both large-scale pre-training and adaptation of foundation models on high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructures, as well as the development of efficient, robust, and compressed architectures that can be deployed on edge devices, embedded platforms, and autonomous systems. A central goal is to create a seamless bridge between scalable, compute-intensive generative models and efficient, real-time AI systems suitable for robotics, intelligent vehicles, industrial automation, and emerging Agentic AI applications.
The PhD candidate will contribute to the development of the FIND open, precompetitive toolbox of models, training methodologies, and integration strategies, helping to extend foundation models to industrial use-cases that are currently underserved. Embedded within a unique national consortium including universities such as TU Delft, TU Eindhoven, University of Amsterdam, and Leiden University, and industry partners such as ASML, NXP, Shell, and Canon, the candidate will collaborate closely with academic and industrial partners, participate in co-designed use-cases, and benefit from cross-disciplinary exchange and industry internships. This position offers a rare opportunity to shape the future of foundation models that not only scale in capability, but also translate into resilient, trustworthy, and deployable AI solutions for the high-tech industries of tomorrow.
Job requirements - An M.Sc. degree in computer science (preferred), electrical engineering or relevant fields
- Strong background in computer science, optimization and advanced algebra
- Background in Deep Learning, Generative (and Agentic) AI is prefferable
- Track record of publication in venues of AI is a big plus
- Experience in software engineering and programming with Python / Pytorch
- Good verbal and written English skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to work in a collaborative environment
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 of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.
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here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.
Conditions of employment Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.
Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
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 a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.
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. Hadi Jamali-Rad, via
H.JamaliRad@tudelft.nl.
Application procedureAre you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than
2 April 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:
You can address your application to Dr. Hadi Jamali-Rad.
Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the
Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.
Please note: - You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
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