Postdoc Flying Vision Accelerator NAVIGATOR

Delft; Delft; On-site; EUR 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ABP pension

232 annual leave hours

Education and training opportunities

Relocation assistance

Job summary

TU Delft invites a postdoctoral researcher to develop the Flying Vision Navigator, a dynamic roadmap tool guiding aviation toward a net-zero future by 2050. You will drive three-stage development, combining cost, lead-time, effect and sustainability criteria, while coordinating with industry partners.

You will lead Work Package 2 on alternative energy carriers, explore AI, quantum computing, and other external influences, and collaborate with LiT fund programs to push systemic transitions

Qualifications

• Proven system thinker with ability to identify value and transitions in multidisciplinary settings.
• Strong analytical capability to assess second-order systemic and economic effects.
• Interest in alternative energy carriers to lead Work Package 2.
• Familiarity with external tech influences such as AI, autonomous systems, quantum computing.

Responsibilities

• Develop the Flying Vision Navigator platform across three stages: predict routes, compute effects, analyze tipping points.
• Lead Work Package 2 on alternative energy carriers and collaborate with consortium partners.
• Engage with industry experts and think tanks to explore external influences and path dependencies.
• Communicate insights to high-level industry stakeholders during think tank sessions.

Skills

System thinking

First-principle thinking

Analytical skills

AI/quantum awareness

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Aerospace Engineering

PhD in Innovation Management

PhD in Systems Engineering

Job description

Postdoc Flying Vision Accelerator NAVIGATOR

Join TU Delft as a Postdoc to develop the Flying Vision Navigator—a dynamic, predictive roadmap tool steering the aviation sector toward a net-zero future by 2050.

The aviation sector is undergoing a massive transformation under the Luchtvaart in Transitie (LiT) Nationaal Groei Fonds program, which aims to drive the Dutch aviation sector toward climate neutrality by 2050. To achieve this, the Flying Vision Accelerator (FVA) project focuses on ultra-efficient aircraft designs and alternative energy carriers. As a Postdoc, you will be responsible for developing the Flying Vision Navigator, transitioning the industry from static roadmaps to a dynamic tool that calculates alternative routes based on cost, lead-time, effect, and sustainability criteria.

You will develop this platform across three stages: predicting alternative routes, calculating second-order economic and systemic effects, and analyzing tipping points where new technologies achieve economic viability and path dependency. Additionally, you will lead Work Package 2, focusing on alternative energy carriers, and collaborate closely with FVA consortium partners including Royal NLR, Airbus, Royal Schiphol Group, and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Immersed in advanced system thinking research, your work will push beyond conventional boundaries to factor in external systemic influences such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and geographic shifts.

Job requirements

• A PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Innovation Management, Systems Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline.
• A proven track record as a robust system thinker and first-principle thinker, with a natural inclination for thinking beyond current conventions to identify unforeseen value and systemic transitions in a multidisciplinary dynamic environment.
• Strong analytical capabilities to move beyond immediate first-order trends and accurately calculate second-order systemic and economic.
• Strong interest in alternative energy carriers to effectively lead Work Package 2.
• Familiarity with assessing external technological influences, such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and quantum computing.
• Excellent communication skills to engage with high-level industry partners and external experts during deep dive and FVA think tank sessions.

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 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.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming workplace, assisted by anactive 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.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 2 years. Temporary.
• A job of 36-40 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.
• 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. .

Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Tjaard Sijpkes, via [e-mail] or via +31.6.53862562.

Faculty/Department: Faculty of Aerospace Engineering

FTE: 1

Submission is possible until: 25 Sep 2026