PhD Position in Quantum-Enhanced Vibration-Based Damage Detection (AI)

TL;DR

PhD Position in Quantum-Enhanced Vibration-Based Damage Detection (AI): Developing high-precision structural health monitoring systems combining Quantum Photonic Vibrometry with AI-driven vibration analysis for aerospace and wind energy composites with an accent on micro-scale damage detection. Focus on designing vibration experiments, developing interpretable AI models, and deploying lightweight AI on edge hardware.

Location: Must be based in or relocate to Delft, Netherlands

Salary: €3,059 – €3,881 gross per month

Company

hirify.global is a top international university combining science, engineering, and design to solve global challenges in energy, climate, and mobility.

What you will do

• Investigate the combination of Quantum Photonic Vibrometry (QPV) and interpretable AI models for early structural damage detection.
• Design and conduct vibration experiments using QPV sensing systems to identify micro-scale damage signatures.
• Develop robust and explainable AI models for condition monitoring and damage detection.
• Deploy lightweight AI models on reservoir computing devices and edge AI hardware for real-time monitoring.
• Collaborate with academic researchers and industrial partners in aerospace and renewable energy.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in engineering, physics, applied mathematics, or a related field.
• Strong affinity for vibration measurement, AI/ML, or signal processing.
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or similar programming tools.
• Excellent English communication skills (written and spoken).
• Ability to work independently in a multidisciplinary, international research environment.

Culture & Benefits

• 4-year employment period structured as two sequential contracts.
• Annual salary increases according to the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• Customizable compensation package and discounts on health insurance.
• Relocation support via the Coming to Delft Service and a Dual Career Programme for partners.
• Access to state-of-the-art sensing facilities and the hirify.global Graduate School.

Hiring process

• Submission of CV, motivational letter, transcripts, and scientific papers/thesis.
• Rolling basis evaluation of candidates.
• Final stages include a knowledge security risk assessment and an exemption process from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science.