PhD Position: Sustainable Generative AI for Digital Sovereignty

Delft University of Technology via AcademicTransfer; Netherlands; On-site; EUR 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is offering a PhD position within EU Horizon initiatives to advance sustainable, sovereign and secure generative AI deployment across Europe. The candidate will join the Department of Engineering Systems and Services at TU Delft under senior supervision and collaborate with EU partners.

The role focuses on evaluating foundation models for digital industries, collaborating with the f-inference consortium, and contributing to interdisciplinary research in

Qualifications

• MSc in computer science/engineering, AI, data science, or related fields.
• Strong analytical skills
• A strong interest in interdisciplinary research, and the use of AI in inter‑organizational context
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment.
• Excellent command of English

Responsibilities

• To conduct an in-depth evaluation of existing foundation models to assess their suitability in the digital industries, automotive and healthcare domains.
• Collaborate with experts from the f-inference consortium to design, develop, test and refine the design strategies and framework.
• Work independently and contribute collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment.

Skills

Strong analytical skills

Excellent command of English

Interdisciplinary research interest

Education

Master’s degree in computer science/engineering, AI, data science

Job description

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)

Organisation/Company Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) Research Field Computer science » Informatics Computer science » Programming Engineering » Computer engineering Engineering » Systems engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 1 Nov 2026 - 22:59 (UTC) Country Netherlands Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Not Applicable Hours Per Week 38.0 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Join us for this PhD project in EU Horizon €8 million initiative, to transform how generative AI is deployed across Europe for a more sustainable, sovereign and resilient future.

Job description Generative AI is widely expected to become a central element of digital transformation. Its flexibility and adaptability give businesses in many sectors an opportunity to innovate rapidly, respond to changing conditions, and lower barriers to automation. For society to benefit from these advancements, organisations need to maintain control over sensitive information and critical decision-making tools. Reducing dependence on external providers strengthens digital autonomy, while more efficient ways of running AI help align technological progress with environmental and energy targets. By designing systems that are sustainable, sovereign, secure, and efficient at the same time, this PhD project will support Europe’s broader ambitions for responsible technological leadership.

Position Overview: This PhD position is aimed at candidates with a Master’s degree in computer science/engineering, AI, data science, or related fields, with a strong interest in generative AI. The successful candidate will be based at the Department of Engineering Systems and Services (ESS) at Delft University of Technology under the supervision of Dr. Aaron Ding, Dr. Marcela Tuler de Oliveira, Prof. Dr. Marijn Janssen. This PhD project involves close collaboration with partners from the EU Horizon project, and candidates will have the opportunity to engage with interdisciplinary teams involved in the project.

Key Responsibilities

• To conduct an in-depth evaluation of existing foundation models to assess their suitability in the digital industries, automotive and healthcare domains. Design sustainable inference strategies and framework towards the computing continuum.
• Collaborate with experts from the f-inference consortium to design, develop, test and refine the design strategies and framework.
• Work independently and contribute collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment.

Project Impact: This project will democratise the access to advanced Generative AI technologies through practical tools that help businesses, particularly SMEs, adopt state-of-the-art AI models. The outcomes are expected to enhance competitiveness, support sustainable innovation, and contribute to a more inclusive digital transition across Europe.

Job requirements

• MSc in computer science/engineering, AI, data science, or related fields.
• Strong analytical skills
• A strong interest in interdisciplinary research, and the use of AI in inter-oranisational context
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment.
• Excellent command of English

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology) Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference. For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

Faculty Technology, Policy & Management The Faculty of TPM provides an important contribution to solving complex technical-social issues, such as energy transition, mobility, digitalisation, water management and (cyber) security. TPM does this with its excellent education and research at the intersection of technology, society and policy. We combine insights from both engineering and social sciences as well as the humanities. TPM develops robust models and designs, is internationally oriented and has an extensive network of knowledge institutions, companies, social organisations and governments.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management.

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 €3204 - €4051 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 information For more information about this vacancy, please contact Aaron Ding ( [e-mail] ). For more information about the application procedure, please contact Olivie Beek, HR‑advisor ( [e-mail] ).

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.