Postdoc Data-Driven Autonomous Shipping and Port Operations

Job description

The transition towards autonomous and remotely operated vessels is reshaping the way maritime transport systems are designed, operated and coordinated. The introduction of autonomy to the maritime and port ecosystem concerns multiple stakeholders including rowers, pilots, terminals, operators, port authorities, and so on. While advances in automation create opportunities for safer, more efficient and sustainable shipping, they also introduce new challenges in vessel operations, human–automation interaction, port-call planning and logistics coordination. Addressing these challenges requires an integrated understanding of how autonomous vessel capabilities interact with operational conditions, human intervention and the wider maritime and port logistics systems.

The postdoctoral researcher will develop data-driven and model-based approaches to support the integration of autonomous vessels into maritime transport and port logistics. The research will use data from vessels, sensors, environments and traffics to analyse the operational and nautical complexity of autonomous vessel operations. Attentions will be given to identifying situations in which interactions between onboard personnel, autonomous systems and remote operators are critical, and to translating these insights into Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) for navigation and energy management. The researcher will contribute to the architecture, management and use of the data platform supporting these activities.

A major focus will be on port-call optimisation and logistics ecosystem strategies for autonomous vessels. The researcher will analyse planning, coordination and operational activities in port calls, identify sources of inefficiency and the adjustments required for autonomous sailing and mooring, and develop quantitative models and decision-support approaches for optimisation solutions. The research will also investigate how autonomous vessels affect collaboration and dependencies among stakeholders. Using agent-based modelling and scenario analyses, the researcher will evaluate alternative collaboration strategies, business models and incentives from ships, terminals and logistics-ecosystem perspectives.

The Postdoc will join the Department of Maritime and Transport Technology and will have the opportunity to investigate high-level coordination of multiple autonomous vessels at the Researchlab Autonomous Shipping (RAS), under the supervision of Yusong Pang and Rudy Negenborn. This Postdoc position is embedded in two co-funded research projects supported by European funding programmes, which are with over 20 industry and university partners including shipping companies, port authorities and operators, river commissions and waterborne industry actors. The research projects aim to develop living lab for green & autonomous corridor and accelerate the adoption of autonomous ships in short-sea shipping through open innovation.

Job requirements

• You have a PhD degree or expect to obtain a PhD degree soon in mechanical engineering, maritime technology, operations research, systems and control, or a related field, with strong skills in data engineering and quantitative modelling.

• Experience with autonomous shipping, port logistics or decision-support systems is an additional advantage.

• You will formulate and conduct independent scientific research, develop and manage research data and modelling frameworks, validate results with project partners and stakeholders, and disseminate findings through high-quality scientific publications and professional networks.

• Good communication and writing skills in English and the ability to collaborate with project partners and research institutes are important.

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 Mechanical Engineering

From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

Click  here  to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These  videos  will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 3 years. Temporary.

• A job of 38 hours per week.

• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.

• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.

• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.

• Flexible working week.

• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.

• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.

• Partially paid parental leave

• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.

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

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Yusong Pang, y.pang@tudelft.nl , +31(0)15 278 8685 , or Prof.dr. Rudy R. Negenborn, r.r.negenborn@tudelft.nl , +31(0)15 278 6718 .

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 2 November 2026  via the application button and upload the following documents:

• A detailed CV including list of publications

• If the applicants are selected for an interview, they will be asked to provide contact details of at least two referees with their consent

You can address your application to Dr. Yusong Pang.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.

• As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.

• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.