Postdoc Hydrogen Induced Degradation and Continued Airworthiness for Hydrogen Powered Aircraft

Delft University of Technology via AcademicTransfer; Netherlands; Sur place; EUR 42 000 - 54 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the Aerospace Structures and Materials group invites applications for an 18‑month postdoc position focused on hydrogen‑induced degradation in hydrogen fuel storage systems for continued airworthiness.

You will collaborate with Concious Aerospace and TU Delft researchers to develop certificaton ready development approaches, expand damage tolerance analyses, set inspection intervals, and disseminate results through journals and conferences.

Qualifications

• PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related subject.
• Strong background in fracture mechanics and fatigue research.
• Experience with risk analysis and risk management.
• Ability to work with multi-disciplinary stakeholders.
• Ability to publish scientific results and contribute to dissemination.

Responsabilités

• Develop novel approaches for hydrogen fuel storage systems to ensure airworthiness.
• Expand damage tolerance analyses for hydrogen-induced degradation.
• Establish inspection intervals and maintenance strategies for hydrogen-induced degradation.
• Assess non-destructive testing techniques for hydrogen-induced damage and integrate into design strategies.
• Publish results in journals and present at conferences.

Connaissances

Fracture mechanics

Fatigue

Risk analysis

Multi-disciplinary collaboration

Communication skills

Independent research

Cryogenic systems

Formation

PhD in Aerospace Engineering

Description du poste

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)

Organisation/Company Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) Research Field Engineering » Aerospace engineering Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Application Deadline 10 Dec 2026 - 22:59 (UTC) Country Netherlands Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Not Applicable Hours Per Week 40.0 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

How can the hydrogen induced degradation in a hydrogen fuel storage system be managed to achieve continued airworthiness?

Job description The drive towards climate neutrality in the aviation sector calls for impactful innovations without comprising aviation safety. Within the scope of the Dutch-funded HAPSS project led by Concious Aerospace, we are developing a hydrogen-electric propulsion system to be integrated into an existing Dash 8-300 aircraft, aiming for certification by EASA in 2028.

As a postdoc at TU Delft, you will work closely with Concious Aerospace and researchers at TU Delft, to develop novel and certificaton ready development approaches for a reliable and airworthy hydrogen fuel storage system.

Your research will be a part of a dedicated workpage within HAPSS project on hydrogen induced degradation and continued airworthiness. You will build on the current project progress on hydrogen induced degradation mechanisms, and:

• Expand damage tolerance analysis metholodogies to account for hydrogen induced degradation.
• Establish inspection intervals and maintenance strategies for hydrogen induced degradation.
• Assess the effectiveness of non-destructive inspection techniques for detecting hydrogen-induced damage in representative metallic structures, and develop approaches to integrate inspection into damage-tolerant design strategies and maintenance programs.
• Develop comprehensive design guidelines that incorporate hydrogen-induced effects into the aircraft design philosophy for ensuring continued airworthiness.
• Disseminate the results via journal articles and scientific conferences.

You will be based in the Aerospace Structures and Materials department of Aerospace Engineering faculty, working closely with Dr Nan Yue and Dr John-Alan Pasce.

You will have opportunities to contribute to university education activities, including teaching and student supervision.

Job requirements

• A PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, Applied Physics or other relevant subject.
• Strong scientific background and research experience in fracture mechanics and fatigue.
• Familiar with risk analysis and risk management.
• Ability and curiosity to engage with multi-disciplinary stakeholders.
• Good collaboration and communication skills with both academic colleagues and industrial project partners.
• Ability to conduct independent research and publish scientific results.
• Experience with cryogenic systems or non-destructive testing is a plus.

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 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.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 18 months. Temporary.
• A job of 38-40 hours per week.
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch
• 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.