PhD Opportunity 2026 | Life Cycle Assessment for Design of Structures at TU Delft

PhD Opportunity 2026 | Life Cycle Assessment for Design of Structures at TU Delft

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) invites applications for a fully funded PhD position in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for Design of Structures. This interdisciplinary research opportunity is part of the Dutch Aviation Systems Analysis Lab (DASAL) project and focuses on developing advanced life-cycle assessment methodologies to support sustainable aircraft structural design for the future of aviation.

Position Overview

About the Project

The DASAL project, a collaboration between TU Delft and the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) under the Dutch Luchtvaart in Transitie programme, develops computational and simulation models to evaluate the sustainability, economic, and societal impacts of aviation technologies and policy decisions.

This PhD project aims to develop structural design-compatible Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies that support the aviation sector's transition toward hydrogen-powered, hybrid-electric, and sustainable aircraft. The research will help redefine structural design strategies by integrating environmental impacts beyond conventional lightweight design approaches.

Research Responsibilities

The selected PhD researcher will:

• Develop innovative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies compatible with structural engineering design.

• Investigate the environmental impacts of next-generation aircraft structures.

• Evaluate sustainability trade-offs for hydrogen-powered, hybrid-electric, and future aviation technologies.

• Develop computational models supporting decision-making during conceptual and preliminary design phases.

• Conduct experiments to improve LCA assumptions and validate environmental datasets where required.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary researchers in aviation, sustainability, and systems analysis.

Research Focus Areas

The project includes research in:

• Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

• Sustainable Aircraft Design

• Structural Engineering

• Aviation Sustainability

• Hydrogen Aviation

• Hybrid & Electric Aircraft

• Systems Modelling

• Environmental Impact Assessment

• Computational Modelling

• Sustainable Engineering Design

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should possess:

• A Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Sustainability, or a related discipline.

• Strong interest in sustainable engineering and life-cycle assessment.

• Experience in computational modelling, systems analysis, or structural design is desirable.

• Excellent analytical, research, and communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and collaborative research environments.

Why Join TU Delft?

This PhD position offers the opportunity to:

• Contribute to cutting-edge research supporting the future of sustainable aviation.

• Work on nationally significant projects influencing aviation policy and aircraft design.

• Collaborate with TU Delft, Royal NLR, and leading researchers in aerospace sustainability.

• Access world-class research facilities and computational modelling resources.

• Develop expertise in life-cycle assessment, sustainable engineering, and aviation systems analysis.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application through the official TU Delft careers portal, along with all required academic documents and supporting materials as specified in the official vacancy announcement.

About TU Delft

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is one of Europe's leading technical universities, internationally recognized for excellence in engineering, sustainability, and technological innovation. Through world-class research and strong collaborations with academia, government, and industry, TU Delft is driving solutions that shape the future of aviation, energy, mobility, and climate resilience.

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