Assistant Professor In Systems & Control Design

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 'systems & control design' in the heart of the high-tech region of the Netherlands! The Control Systems Technology section of the Mechanical Engineering department at Eindhoven University of Technology is seeking a passionate and talented Assistant 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 Control Systems Technology Section 

The Control Systems Technology (CST) section is among the largest and most impactful research centers in systems and control. The section envisions that a fruitful synergy between system and control, engineering design, optimization, and artificial intelligence will be a key enabler in addressing future societal and industrial challenges in the field of high-tech systems, energy, sustainability, mobility and health.  

The section demonstrates that fundamental research and education go hand in hand with societal and industrial valorization. This is evidenced by innovative research projects conducted directly with our industrial partners, the creation of multiple spin-off companies, and the successes of our student teams. We have a broad funding base and a strong track record in attracting industrial funding and international collaborations, and obtaining prestigious personal grants. 

Currently, our section consists of 13 full-time faculty members, and over 50 PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers. In addition, CST promotes research impact through the involvement of 17 part-time researchers of whom all have a primary affiliation in industry or research institutes. Our teaching activities are supported by two full-time teacher/researcher positions and our labs are operated by full-time lab technicians.  

Since 2025, we have opened our new lab, which is among the university’s largest facilities featuring state-of-the-art mechatronics, mobility, and robotics systems, supported and operated by our full-time lab technicians. 

The Position 

Research themes of the candidate 

The candidate is expected to develop unique research lines at the crossroads of the following scientific fields: 

• Systems theory and control engineering
• Systems engineering and architecting
• Optimization for system design and process control
• Physical and data-based modelling (system identification), machine learning
• Mechanical and mechatronic design

and the application domains of: 

• (Opto)mechatronic systems, including semicon equipment (frontend and backend), electron microscopes, industrial printing, laser satcom, adaptive optics
• Autonomous systems and vehicles
• Energy systems and energy transition, particularly nuclear fusion, green energy, hydrogen, electric flight and infrastructure, etc.
• Precision agriculture and agrifood systems
• Medical and biological systems
• Advanced and additive manufacturing equipment; smart manufacturing systems and networks
• Large-scale infrastructure, movable bridges, water locks, tunnels, highway systems, etc.
• Automotive systems (e.g., drivetrains in vehicles), transportation and mobility networks
• Process control systems

Responsibilities 

• 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 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 contribute to the success of the research group, department, and associated institutes by initiating, participating or leading new internal and external collaborations. 

Job Requirements  

• A university degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics or Control Engineering. 
• A PhD degree in systems and control or comparable domain. 
• A background in at least one of the five above-mentioned research fields. 
• High interest in and/or experience with one of the listed application domains. 
• 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. 
• 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 development track with the prospect of becoming an Associate Professor and the possibility of an immediate tenured position. If you have a more senior profile, a tailor-made career proposal will be considered. 
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. For a junior Assistant Professor this is (scale 11) min. € 4.537,- max. € 6.209,- gross 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. Maurice Heemels via m.heemels@tue.nl 
• prof. Maarten Steinbuch via m.steinbuch@tue.nl 
• prof. Tom Oomen via t.a.e.oomen@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.