PhD Position Quantum Algorithms for Numerical Simulation in Aerospace

Are you passionate about quantum computing, numerical simulations, and aerospace? Join our team and collaborate with industry partners to bring quantum computing closer to real-world engineering.

Job description

The aerospace sector faces increasingly complex engineering challenges. Designing the next generation of aircraft, spacecraft, and propulsion systems requires numerical simulations that are both more accurate and computationally more demanding than ever before. While Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has become indispensable for aerospace design, many important problems—including high-fidelity flow simulations, uncertainty quantification, and multidisciplinary optimization—remain beyond the reach of today’s supercomputers.

Quantum computing offers a fundamentally new approach to scientific computing. Although large-scale quantum computers are still under development, they have the potential to solve certain computational problems far more efficiently than classical machines. Realizing this potential requires entirely new numerical algorithms that combine advances in quantum computing with decades of expertise in computational science.

In this PhD project, you will help develop the foundations of Quantum Computational Fluid Dynamics (Quantum CFD). You will investigate how fluid dynamics can be simulated on quantum computers by designing novel quantum algorithms, implementing software, and evaluating their performance on quantum computer simulators and potentially real-world quantum computers. The project combines numerical analysis, scientific computing, quantum computing, and aerospace engineering in an exciting interdisciplinary research environment.

You will be part of TU Delft's Quantum-CFD Lab, which has long-term experience in developing quantum lattice Boltzmann methods. This position is funded by IHI Corporation, one of Japan’s leading engineering companies and and a global technology leader in aerospace, energy, and industrial systems. Working closely with both TU Delft and IHI, you will contribute to research at the interface of fundamental science and future industrial applications in the aerospace sector.

Job requirements

You have:

• A Master’s degree (or are close to completing one) in Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Computational Science, or a closely related field.
• A strong background in numerical methods, scientific computing, computational physics, or quantum computing.
• Excellent programming skills in Python and/or C++. Experience with scientific software development is an advantage.
• An interest in quantum algorithms and the motivation to contribute to one of the world’s emerging research areas.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Good communication skills and an excellent command of written and spoken English.

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 of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science 

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment. 

Click  here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science. 

Conditions of employment 
Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met. 

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.  

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. 

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.  

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 dr. Matthias Möller.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 31 Aug 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

1. CV
2. Motivational letter
3. A (draft) version of your master's thesis and/or any papers submitted.
4. Detailed transcripts with all university grades.

You can address your application to dr. Matthias Möller.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that