Associate Professor in Aircraft Noise Modelling

Challenge: Developing reliable noise models that reflect reality.

Change: Identifying model discrepancies and improving noise predictions by leveraging measurements.

Impact: Driving down noise levels and restoring airport neighbours’ trust.

Your role as Associate Professor in Aircraft Noise Modelling
The aviation industry’s rapid expansion has led to significant economic advancements. However, this progress has come with environmental challenges, particularly in the form of aircraft noise, which adversely affects nearby communities by causing stress, annoyance, and health concerns. Aircraft noise modelling plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges by providing accurate predictions and fostering trust among stakeholders.

As Associate Professor in Aircraft Noise Modelling at TU Delft, you will contribute to this critical area by advancing the accuracy of noise prediction models and exploring innovative technologies such as hybrid-electric propulsion systems, drones, and urban air mobility solutions. Your work will bridge cutting-edge research, impactful education, and meaningful societal engagement, positioning you as a leader in this domain while paving your path to full professorship.

Your primary focus will be to develop and refine semi-empirical and empirical noise modelling approaches that enhance the predictive accuracy of aircraft noise levels. These models will address both current and future aviation systems, including unconventional aircraft configurations and new propulsion technologies. Through rigorous validation against experimental data, your research will help align model outputs with real-world observations, restoring community trust and guiding sustainable aviation practices.

Collaborating with a diverse network of colleagues and partners, you will:

• Conduct interdisciplinary research spanning engine and airframe noise sources, atmospheric noise propagation, and psycho-acoustic applications.
• Lead the development of advanced noise models, incorporating insights from machine learning and data science.
• Supervise and mentor PhD candidates, fostering a robust research environment.
• Secure national and international research funding to support your projects.
• Engage with academic, industrial, and governmental stakeholders to disseminate findings and drive impactful solutions.

Beyond research, you will play a vital role in the educational mission of TU Delft. By teaching courses in the Sustainable Air Transport profile, mentoring bachelor and master students, and contributing to the curriculum’s evolution, you will inspire the next generation of aerospace engineers. Your work will strengthen the department’s position as a hub for sustainability and innovation in aviation.

Opportunities and Impact
Joining TU Delft means becoming part of an internationally recognized institution dedicated to advancing aerospace engineering and sustainability. You will work within the Department of Control and Operations, which combines expertise in air traffic management, environmental modelling, and autonomous systems. Our mission is to enhance the safety, efficiency, and environmental performance of aviation operations through innovative research and education.

Your contributions will not only advance the field of aircraft noise modelling but also have a tangible impact on reducing the environmental footprint of aviation and improving the quality of life for airport communities. By embracing this role, you will position yourself at the forefront of sustainable aviation research and policy development.

Requirements
We are looking for an enthusiastic and driven researcher with:

• A PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Applied Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.
• A comprehensive understanding of aircraft noise modelling and its practical applications.
• Proven experience in conducting interdisciplinary research and securing external funding.
• A network of relevant academic and industrial partners.
• Strong teaching capabilities, with a passion for mentoring students and junior researchers.
• Excellent communication skills in English (knowledge of Dutch or willingness to learn is a plus).

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Delft 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 Engineering
The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is one of the world’s most highly ranked (and most comprehensive) research, education and innovation communities devoted entirely to aerospace engineering. More than 200 science staff, around 270 PhD candidates and close to 3000 BSc and MSc students apply aerospace engineering disciplines to address the global societal challenges that threaten us today, climate change without doubt being the most important. Our focal subjects: sustainable aerospace, big data and artificial intelligence, bio-inspired engineering and smart instruments and systems. Working at the faculty means working together. With partners in other faculties, knowledge institutes, governments and industry, both aerospace and non-aerospace. Working in field labs and innovation hubs on our university campus and beyond.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is Permanent contract Permanent.
• A job of 36-40 hours per week.
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution.
• Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Prof.dr.ir. Mirjam Snellen, via m.snellen@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 30 Mar 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• Motivation letter.
• Detailed CV.
• Recent teaching evaluations (if available).
• Teaching statement (maximum 2 pages).
• Research statement (maximum 2 pages).
• At least three relevant publications.
• Names and contact information of at least three relevant references. We will not contact references without your consent.

You can address your application to Prof.dr.ir. Mirjam Snellen.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

36 - 40 hours per week

Mekelweg 5