Building self-organizing edge infrastructure that seamlessly adapts across terrestrial, cloud, and satellite networks.
ChangeCreating autonomous systems that unify edge orchestration, network intelligence, and real-time measurements.
ImpactEnable a sustainable, intelligent Internet fabric that seamlessly supports 6G, distributed AI, and future global connectivity.
Job description
The Internet is undergoing a fundamental transformation from cloud architectures to a distributed continuum spanning edge, cloud, and space. This shift demands revolutionary approaches to how we orchestrate resources, manage distributed intelligence, and measure network performance at planetary scale. Join the SPEAR (Systems and Protocols for Edge-Enabled Internet) lab, associated with the Networked Systems group, at TU Delft to pioneer self-organizing edge infrastructure that will define the next generation of Internet architecture.
This PhD position offers you the opportunity to shape the future of Internet infrastructure by developing autonomous systems that can self-organize, self-optimize, and self-heal across heterogeneous environments. You will tackle fundamental challenges at the intersection of edge computing, network orchestration, and distributed intelligence, creating systems that operate seamlessly from local edge deployments to globally spanning satellite constellations.
You will build real systems and tinker with network transport protocols, deploy them on cutting?'edge infrastructure, and validate their performance through Internet?'scale measurements. Your work will directly contribute to open?'source projects such as Kubernetes, Oakestra, LEOScope, etc.
As part of the SPEAR lab, you will work in a vibrant research environment with members across Europe. The broader Networked Systems Group tackles all aspects of network optimization, management, and improvement, providing rich opportunities for collaboration. As a PhD, you will have access to:
- State?'of?'the?'art 6G testbeds (indoor and outdoor) with GPU clusters and edge computing platforms
- Global Internet measurement infrastructure and satellite network access
- Opportunities to engage with Internet standardization communities (e.g. IETF)
- An expansive network of academic and industry collaborators globally
If you are passionate about building the systems that will power the next generation of the Internet, we invite you to join us in this transformative research journey.
Job requirements
General requirements:
- Excellent track record in Master's and Bachelor's degrees from a good university
- Strong analytical and systems implementation skills
- Solid understanding of networking protocols and distributed systems
- Fluent in English (written and spoken)
Researchers are required to undertake trans?'national mobility (i.e., move from one country to another) when taking up the appointment. At the time of selection by the TU Delft, the candidate must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the recruitment. Short stays, such as holidays, are not taken into account.
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.
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.
, 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
Additional information
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than
1 December 2025
via the application button and upload the following documents:- Cover letter (max 2 pages) describing your motivation for pursuing a PhD
- Resume/CV including:
- The applicant's educational and research background,
- Technical and professional skills,
- Any systems projects, open?'source contributions, or publications
- Copies of your BSc and MSc degrees and transcripts.
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.
- As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
- Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.