Project Overview
About the Position
TU Delft invites applications for a PhD position in foil drone research. The project develops unmanned vehicles that operate both in air and water using hydrofoil dynamics, studying how such dual-domain drones can transition between flying and foil-borne operation efficiently and autonomously.
The doctoral candidate will work on the aerodynamics and hydrodynamics of foil-based flight, prototype vehicle designs, and develop the control and autonomy stack needed for real transitions between air and water operation. The work combines flight testing, tank or open-water experiments and simulation, and the position is embedded in the university's leading drone research environment.
Candidate Profile
Applicants hold a master's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, robotics or a related field, with strong analytical and hands-on prototyping skills. Experience with flight control, system identification or fluid dynamics is an advantage. The appointment follows the Dutch CAO-NU collective agreement with the national PhD salary scale and a four-year contract structure.
Highlights
- Hydrofoil dynamics for air-water drones
- Vehicle prototyping and flight testing
- Control and autonomy for domain transitions
- Aerodynamic and hydrodynamic modelling
- Dual-domain unmanned vehicle design
- Salaried PhD, EUR 3,204 - 4,051 per month (CAO-NU scale)
Funding and Duration
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Award or position | PhD fellowship / salaried position |
| Stipend / salary | EUR 3,204 - EUR 4,051 gross per month |
| Duration | Four years |
Eligibility and Requirements
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicant eligibility | Worldwide |
| Academic preparation | Master's in aerospace, mechanical engineering, robotics or a related field |
| Language | English proficiency required |
Application dates
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment status | Open |
| Deadline | 2 November 2026 |
| Location | Delft, Netherlands |
About TU Delft
TU Delft is a public technical university in Delft, the Netherlands. It offers undergraduate, master's and doctoral education across engineering, architecture, design and applied sciences. Its research connects technical knowledge with practical challenges, including energy, mobility, infrastructure and sustainability, through collaboration with industry, public organisations and international academic institutions worldwide.
Official details: Read the programme or project information
Application route: Follow the official application instructions
Contact
Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be raised through the contact channel given on the official announcement page (see the Official Link section above). Always quote the position reference in your message so the admissions or HR team can route your enquiry quickly.
Important Notes
- Application deadline: 2 November 2026 - late or incomplete applications are normally not considered.
- Listing details were recorded from the official source at the time of publication; always confirm the latest requirements on the official page before applying.
- Prepare the documents listed in the eligibility and application sections before starting the online form - transcripts, CV and references take the longest to collect.
How to Apply
Submit your application through the official page before the deadline: 2 November 2026. Read the eligibility requirements carefully and prepare all requested documents - early applications are strongly recommended for competitive awards.
Open the official application page ↗
Application guides
- PhD Employment in the Netherlands: Salary, Contract and Funding Routes
- Scholarship Application Rejected? 12 Problems to Check Before Reapplying
Official Link
https://careers.tudelft.nl/job/Delft-PhD-Position-in-Foil-Drone-2628-CD/1375189257/
Frequently asked questions
Drawn from this listing's own record. Always confirm the details on the official source before applying.
What is the deadline for PhD Position in Foil Drone - TU Delft, Netherlands?
The application deadline is 3 November 2026 (2 November 2026). Applications received after that date are not considered, so treat it as a hard cut-off (Europe/Amsterdam time) and leave time for references and transcripts. Closing time not specified — confirm with the provider before you leave it until the last day: the source names Europe/Amsterdam but gives no clock time.
Is PhD Position in Foil Drone - TU Delft, Netherlands fully funded?
This is a fully funded award: tuition is covered and a living stipend is provided for the duration of the programme. EUR 3,204 - EUR 4,051 gross per month.
Who is eligible to apply for PhD Position in Foil Drone - TU Delft, Netherlands?
This opportunity is open to applicants worldwide. Host-country status is not a requirement, although you must still satisfy the visa rules for Netherlands. Applications are assessed by TU Delft.
How do I apply for PhD Position in Foil Drone - TU Delft, Netherlands?
Applications for PhD Position in Foil Drone - TU Delft, Netherlands are submitted directly to TU Delft through the provider's own application portal — use the Apply button on this page to open it. NextApply does not process applications or charge a fee.
Is an English proficiency test required for PhD Position in Foil Drone - TU Delft, Netherlands?
Yes — an English-language certificate is required for this listing. Check the exact band expected on the official source, since it can differ by programme. Requirements for Netherlands are published by the provider.
What study level does PhD Position in Foil Drone - TU Delft, Netherlands offer?
This listing is offered at PhD level. That describes the qualification on offer, not a credential you must already hold — check the provider's stated entry requirements before applying.
Hosted by
TU Delft
TU Delft is a public technical university in Delft, the Netherlands. It offers undergraduate, master's and doctoral education across engineering, architecture, design and applied sciences. Its research connects technical knowledge with practical challenges, including energy, mobility, infrastructure and sustainability, through collaboration with industry, public organisations and international academic institutions worldwide.
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