Will drones become as common as the mailman? And what will that mean for our environment? Will the streets ever be quiet again? This PhD will give you the opportunity to build models that predict this!
Job descriptionIn 2023, global drone shipments reached 1 million. Though small compared to billions of total annual transport volume, this number is expected to grow rapidly. The global drone market’s economic value is projected to rise to more than €75 billion by 2030. By then, drones are expected to become a regular presence—visually and audibly—in European living environments. A meaningful assessment of what impact this will have on our living environment is however still lacking. In your PhD you will therefore work on drone noise modelling, which is part of one of the core priorities of the European Commission’s Drone Strategy 2.02: the need for robust methodologies and tools to assess and mitigate noise and broader societal and ecological impacts of drones and other new aviation entrants in U‑Space. The strategy clearly positions noise as a key determinant of public acceptance, especially for delivery drones and eVTOLs, and calls for advanced modelling approaches to inform route planning, operational practices, and environmental regulation.
You will contribute to creating a comprehensive, science‑based toolkit that supports the development of noise assessment methodologies aligned with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)’s mandate and contributes to the adaptation of the Environmental Noise Directive for these new technologies. Your main focus will be to develop machine learning‑based drone noise models that will be able to generate an acoustic footprint based on drone design and operational conditions. The noise footprint that the model predicts will go beyond standard noise pressure level metrics, but instead allow for an assessment of the psycho‑acoustics: the noise annoyance as perceived by humans and even wildlife. An important part of your work consists of designing and contributing to measurement campaigns, but you will also play a central role in the project by contributing expertise on Urban Airspace (UTM) operations, modelling and simulation.
Next to your thesis work you will also work in the TUNED project, where you’ll cooperate in an international (Horizon Europe/SESAR, EU‑funded) collaboration with EUROCONTROL and the university of Salford. This will give you the opportunity to already during your PhD build an extensive research and industry network.
You will be part of the section Operations and Environment (O&E) of TU Delft's faculty of Aerospace Engineering. The O&E section investigates operations and environmental impact of today’s aircraft as well as future, newer foreseen aircraft types. This includes aspects such as aircraft noise, emissions, and climate impact, air traffic management, airspace utilisation, airport operations, airline operation including maintenance. Our research builds on a variety of methods, ranging from analytical methods to fast‑time traffic, or agent‑based, simulations, and from the newest operations research methods to state‑of‑the‑art AI/machine‑learning, from modelling to measuring emissions and climate effects, noise and noise propagation.
Job requirementsThe PhD position is funded by the Horizon‑Europe TUNED project. You will be working in an international consortium, which means that good proficiency in the English language (spoken and written) is required. Furthermore, the position requires an MSc in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautics or a comparable degree, thorough knowledge of AI/ML methods, acoustics, and air traffic management are preferred, as well as excellent programming (Python, Java, C++, …) and mathematical skills. Preferably you also already have experience in writing scientific reports and papers.
TU DelftDelft 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.
Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering.
Conditions of employmentDoctoral 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 Mirjam Snellen, via m.snellen@tudelft.nl or Joost Ellerbroek via j.ellerbroek@tudelft.nl.
#EUfunded This is an EU funded project, named TUNED, with project number 101287704, within program SESAR Exploratory Research
Application procedureAre you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 5 April 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:
- CV
- Motivational letter
You can address your application to Mirjam Snellen.
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.
€3059 - €3881 monthly