Assistant-Associate-Full Professor In Dynamics and Control of Engineering Systems

Would you like to be part of a vibrant and collaborative academic community, contributing to innovations with real-world relevance? Join us in shaping the future of 'dynamics & control' in the heart of the high-tech region of the Netherlands! The Dynamics and Control section of the Mechanical Engineering department at Eindhoven University of Technology is seeking a passionate and talented Assistant, Associate or Full Professor to expand its team.

The department of Mechanical Engineering

The department of Mechanical Engineering conducts world-class research that closely aligns with the technological needs of the high-tech industry in the Netherlands. We are deeply embedded in the Brainport Eindhoven ecosystem, enabling our staff and students to contribute directly to the development of technological breakthroughs with real-world relevance. With a strong track record of successful spin-offs and active participation in numerous national and international research consortia we offer a dynamic environment where science meets application. 
By offering a balanced education and research program that combines fundamental and application aspects, we aim to develop engineers who are both scientifically educated, and application driven. We equip our graduates with practical and theoretical expertise, preparing them optimally for future challenges.

The Dynamics and Control Section

The mission of the Dynamics and Control (D&C) section is to perform research and train next-generation students on the topic of understanding and predicting the dynamics of complex engineering systems in order to develop advanced control, estimation, planning, and learning strategies which are at the core of the intelligent autonomous systems of the future: 'designing and realizing smart autonomous systems for industry and society'.

Research

High-tech and cyber-physical systems, autonomous vehicles, fully automated industrial value chains, smart energy systems, intelligent medical devices, automated transportation networks, soft robotics, together with sustainable automotive technology are key examples of the broad application domain of the D&C section. The design of these systems requires a thorough understanding of their underlying dynamics. Therefore, the first focal point of our research is on both data-based and first-principle-based modelling, model complexity management, (computational and experimental) dynamic analysis of complex, and design and systems engineering for multi-physics, multi-disciplinary, and cyber-physical engineering systems.
Building on this foundation, our second focal point is on 'making autonomous systems smarter'. To this end, we develop both model- and data-based sensing, planning, monitoring, and control technologies as well as computational methods to provide autonomous systems with the intelligence needed to guarantee performance, robustness, safety, security, and sustainability.
Combining research on both dynamics and control theory in one section allows to take on these challenges standing in a privileged position. In particular, it enables us to educate uniquely skilled engineers and researchers as well as to valorize our research together with the high-tech, automotive, healthcare, and energy sectors. While the disciplinary focus of the section is on 1) Dynamical Systems and 2) Control (where the combination is a unique selling point), D&C focusses on the following main themes:

• Intelligent High-tech Systems Design
• Automotive Systems and Smart Mobility
• Manufacturing Systems and Smart Industry

with additional activities on Health- and Energy-related applications.

The D&C section currently consists of a diverse and committed team of twenty (full-time and part-time) scientific staff members, four post-doc and 34 PhD researchers. 
Our section shares three labs with other research sections in the departments: the Dynamics and Control Technology (DCT) lab, the Automotive Technology lab, and the Robotics lab.

The Position

• You will develop internationally leading research, and make significant contributions to high-impact journals.
• You will be responsible for setting up and driving your own independent research program by writing research proposals to acquire public and private funding. You will also lead or contribute to initiating and coordinating multidisciplinary research projects by diverse (external) funding sources.
• You will lead or contribute to the development of the Mechanical Engineering Bachelor's and Master's teaching programs, and you will teach lectures/tutorials at both levels. TU/e supports its junior scientific staff in developing their teaching skills through a training program that leads to the University Teaching Qualification, an official certification from Dutch Universities.
• You will supervise and mentor BSc, MSc, EngD and PhD students during their final projects and internships. Your mentorship will empower the next generation of engineers.
• You will actively stimulate the valorization of your research in industry and society.
• You will contribute to the success of the research group, department, and associated institutes by initiating, participating or leading new internal and external collaborations.

Job Requirements

The following criteria are required for the job depending on working experience and level of professorship (Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor). For the more experienced profiles we expect more academic seniority in all aspects of the required academic profile (research, impact/valorization, education and leadership):

• PhD degree in in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Applied Mathematics in the field of dynamical systems and control.
• You have proven experience in two or more of the following core disciplines:
  • Dynamics & Vibrations
  • Fluid-structure interaction
  • System theory & Control
  • Machine learning
  • Acoustics
  • Optimization and game theory
  • Data-based modelling and/or control
  • Autonomous systems
  • Infinite-dimensional systems and control
  • Large-scale and multi-scale systems
  • Predictive maintenance & Structural health monitoring
• You have knowledge/expertise on application domains that are strongly linked to mechanical engineering such as e.g., mechatronics, high-tech systems, cyber-physical systems, automotive systems, transportation systems, health applications, smart industry, energy systems, etc. This is particularly important for candidates with a background outside the Mechanical Engineering domain. 
• Ability to conduct high-quality academic research, reflected in demonstratable outputs.
• Motivated and/or ability to teach, contribute to teaching processes, and develop excellent teaching skills.
• Societal and industrial valorization of your research is an important driver for you. You have an interest in strengthening industrial collaborations of the section within the Brainport area.
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.
• Effective communication and leadership skills, including the ability to coach and mentor students and staff, lead projects or chair groups.
• Excellent proficiency in English, both written and verbal.

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• A tailor-made career proposal (Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor) will be considered given your experience and track record with the possibility of an immediate tenured position. For the Assistant Professor position we offer a development track with the prospect of becoming an Associate Professor.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. For a junior Assistant Professor this is (scale 11) min. € 4.537 to max. € 6.209 gross per month (on a full-time basis). For an Associate Professor the range of the gross salary is (scale 13/14) min. € 6.286 to max. € 8.405 gross per month (on a full-time basis). For a Full Professor the range of the gross salary is (scale HL2/HL1) € 6.963 to max. € 12.239 per month (on a full-time basis).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• A start-up package for the purpose of hiring a PhD student to kickstart your research.
• A dedicated mentoring program to help you get to know the university and the Dutch (research) environment.
• High-quality training programs for academic leadership and teaching.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care, sports facilities and extensive resources allocated for conference travel. 
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and partner career support.
• The possibility for part-time employment starting at 0.8 fte (min. 32 hours a week).
• The start date of this position is flexible and in agreement with the candidate.

Information and application

About us

Our University

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow. 

Embedding of our Professors

The department of Mechanical Engineering is organized in eight large sections, each comprising approximately ten Assistant, Associate, or Full Professors. All are considered as Principal Investigator (PI) according to our ‘everybody Professor’ vision. Each PI has the academic freedom to define and develop their own research profile. At the same time, collaboration lies at the heart of our culture; PIs actively engage with one another both within and across the sections. Within each section PIs share responsibility for shaping and delivering part of the curriculum, as well as access to state-of-the-art lab facilities and dedicated technical support.
The PIs and support staff across the department meet regularly to exchange ideas and present latest developments in Education, Research and Innovation/Valorization. These events are highly valued by our scientific staff and contribute to the strong sense of community and team spirit that defines our department.

Our Culture

We foster a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative working environment where everyone feels valued and respected. We stimulate a team-oriented culture in which ideas are openly shared and interdisciplinary collaboration is encouraged. Challenges are met with a proactive, can-do attitude, and we prioritize mutual support and personal growth. Our commitment to wellbeing is reflected in initiatives such as intervision groups, a Wellbeing Signal Group, professional leadership programs, and an active mentoring system.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Questions regarding the scientific content can be directed to prof.dr.ir. N. (Nathan) van de Wouw via n.v.d.wouw@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact Josje van Oudenaarden, Senior Recruiter, via j.e.v.oudenaarden@tue.nl or +31 643559575.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Curious to hear more about what it is like as a professor at TU/e? Please watch the video.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application which should include:

• A cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.
• A description of your scientific interests and plans (1-2 pages).
• A statement of your teaching goals and experience (1-2 pages).

As part of the online registration of your application you will be requested to answer some questions (e.g., about your expertise).

We look forward to receiving your application before August 16, 2025.

The recruitment process will include the following sequential selection rounds:

• Online interviews with the selection committee.
• Candidates’ day on our campus, including interviews and introduction program to get to know the group, the department and our university.
• Formal interview with the Recruitment Advisory Committee. We expect this to take place in December 2025/January 2026.

We look forward to your application and potentially welcoming you to our university.