Postdoc Experimental Aerodynamics

Delft University of Technology; Delft; On-site; EUR 41,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ABP pension

Flexible working week

232 annual leave hours

Education and training opportunities

Relocation support

Job summary

Delft University of Technology invites applications for a Postdoc in Experimental Aerodynamics to transform flow field measurements into aerodynamic forces using pressure and friction. The role focuses on large-scale 3D particle tracking and non-intrusive measurements in wind tunnels, including helium-filled soap bubbles as tracers up to supersonic regimes.

You will join the Aerodynamics group of TU Delft, collaborating with European partners and contributing to innovative measurement

Qualifications

• PhD in aerospace/mechanical engineering or applied physics.
• Experience in experimental fluid mechanics research.
• Familiarity with flow measurement techniques and PIV.
• Knowledge of optics, lasers, image processing and data analysis.
• Experience with CFD or ML for fluid flows is beneficial.
• Strong teamwork and communication in English.

Responsibilities

• Advance large-scale 3D particle tracking by merging theory with practice.
• Oversee the use of helium-filled soap bubbles as flow tracers up to supersonic regimes.

Skills

Experimental fluid mechanics

Flow measurement techniques

PIV

Optics & lasers

Image processing

CFD or ML for fluids

Programming Matlab/Python

Laboratory work

Experimental design

Teamwork & English communication

Education

PhD in aerospace/mechanical engineering or applied physics

Tools

Matlab

Python

Job description

Are you passionate about experimental aerodynamics and flow visualization? Apply for a PhD position that aims at transforming flow field measurements into aerodynamic forces by pressure and friction.

• Salary range: €3706 - €5760
• FTE: 1,0

Postdoc Experimental Aerodynamics

Job description

The Aerodynamics group is composed of 12 scientific staff and hosts the Chairs of Experimental Aerodynamics, Computational Fluid Dynamics and Flow Control. The group has a specific expertise in the field of advanced experimental and computational techniques for the analysis of aerodynamic systems as well as in flow control technologies. The group’s research is conducted within collaborations performed with European partners such as the European Space Agency (ESA), the German-Dutch Wind-Tunnels (DNW), LaVision GmbH, a Formula 1 team and several other aerodynamics institutes.

Since 2000 an experimental aerodynamics team has concentrated on the development of advanced non-intrusive measurement techniques such as Particle Image Velocimetry, InfraRed Thermography and Background Oriented Schlieren for the study of critical aerodynamic phenomena such as flow separation, transition to turbulence, shock wave boundary layer interactions in the supersonic and hypersonic regimes.

The Aerodynamics laboratories are equipped with state of the art wind tunnels with a large low-speed (low-turbulence) wind tunnel and high-speed transonic-supersonic tunnels up to hypersonic flows (Mach 11). A low-speed open test section large wind tunnel (Open Jet Facility) erected in 2008 is available for real-world aerodynamics of sports, wind energy and rotorcraft system, among others. The group disposes a wide range of experimental equipment for tomographic PIV, and large scale measurements in wind tunnels and in the field. The research activity aims at high scientific profile, with and attention to the transfer and application of the developed technologies in real industrial situations. It is the intention of the Aerodynamics group to further explore experimental techniques for aerodynamics, flight mechanics and propulsion, for which the AEROSQIN project constitutes a perfect framework.

The candidate will advance techniques for large-scale 3D particle tracking by merging measurement theory and practice with flow modelling for applications in industrial wind tunnels for the aerospace sector and oversee the application of helium-filled soap bubbles as flow tracers up to the supersonic regime.

Job requirements

We will consider applications based on the following skillsets. If you do not fullfil all requirements, please still apply (there is room for learning-on-the-job).

• A PhD in aerospace/mechanical engineering or applied physics.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct research in experimental fluid mechanics.
• Proven competence on flow measurement techniques and PIV.
• Familiarity with optics, lasers, image processing and statistical data analysis.
• Familiarity with flow modelling techniques (CFD) or machine learning for fluid flows.
• Aptitude for team work and excellent communication skills in spoken and written English.
• Ability to supervise students or early-stage researchers.
• Affinity with data processing techniques and programming (Matlab and/or Python).
• Hands-on with laboratory work, skilled in experimental design.
• Creativity, assertive attitude, and perseverance.

The selection process will start immediately; the intended start date is in October 2026.

TU Delft

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

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 Aerospace Engineering

The 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.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 2 years. Temporary.
• A job of 38 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.

#EUfunded This is an EU funded project, named AEROSQIN (Surface Layer Diagnostics from Quantitative Flow Visualization), with project number 101266905, within program HE / ERC.

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.