Assistant Professor In Control Systems Technology for Emerging Application Areas

Would you like to be part of a vibrant and collaborative academic community, contributing to real-world innovations? Join us in shaping the future of 'control systems technology' 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 expanding its team with a passionate and talented Assistant Professor. 

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 researchers and students to contribute directly to the development of technological breakthroughs with direct real-world impact. With a strong track record of successful spin-offs and active participation in national and international research consortia we offer a dynamic environment where science and engineering strengthen each other. By offering a balanced education and research program that combines fundamental and application aspects, we aim to develop engineers who have a strong scientific foundation. Our graduates are optimally prepared to address future technological and societal 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 both obtaining prestigious personal grants and attracting industrial funding and international collaborations. 

Currently, our section consists of 15 full-time faculty members, and over 50 PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers. In addition, CST promotes research impact through the involvement of 18 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 positions, and our labs are operated by full-time lab technicians.  

Since 2025, we have opened our new lab in the new building Gemini-North, 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 a research line that progresses the state of the art in a relevant emerging application area, such as (but not limited to):

• Dynamics, learning, monitoring, and/or control of future manufacturing processes, such as heterogeneous integration or additive manufacturing.
• Modeling and process control of nuclear fusion for future energy systems.
• Opto-mechanical and mechatronic system design and engineering of high-tech systems.
• Control systems technology for healthcare applications.
• Resilience, control, and decision-making for autonomous unmanned systems, space technology, and defence applications.
• Generative engineering of high-tech systems and manufacturing processes, including digital twins and lifecycle optimization.

At the same time, the candidate is expected to develop methodologies with broader relevance to the research area of Control Systems Technology, including engagement with the relevant IEEE and IFAC communities.

Responsibilities 

As an Assistant Professor, you will gradually develop your activities across research, education, and academic leadership. The responsibilities below describe the scope of the role and the areas in which you are expected to grow, supported by mentoring and professional development opportunities at TU/e.

• You will conduct internationally leading research and contribute to academic output in leading journals and conferences.
• You will be responsible for setting up and driving your own independent research program by writing research proposals to acquire public and/or private funding. You will also contribute to initiating and coordinating multidisciplinary research projects by diverse (external) funding sources.
• You will contribute to or lead the development of the Mechanical Engineering Bachelor's and Master's teaching programs, and you will teach 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. In addition, we are participating in the National Graduate School for Systems and Control DISC, in which you can participate if suitable and desired.
• You will supervise and mentor BSc, MSc, EngD and/or 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 section, department, and associated institutes by initiating, participating or leading new internal and external collaborations.  

In this role, you will contribute to the ambition of the Beethoven program to educate top talent and strengthen research across the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Job Requirements  

• A university degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics or Control Engineering. 
• A PhD degree in a relevant engineering domain. 
• You are expected to have expertise and strong interest in developing a leading profile in one of the application areas listed above. As part of your application, please indicate the application area that best aligns with your expertise, research profile, and future ambitions, and describe how your work and background connects to the broad research activities of the Control Systems Technology section and the Department of Mechanical Engineering.
• Ability to conduct high quality academic research, reflected in demonstratable outputs. 
• Drive towards societal and industrial impact of your research. 
• 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: 

• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. For a starting/junior Assistant Professor, the gross base salary is in scale 11 and ranges from €4,925 to €6,682 per month (based on full-time employment). On top of this, you will receive an annual 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, both calculated based on your annual gross base salary.
• Participation in the ABP pension scheme, providing retirement pension and pension benefits for surviving dependants and occupational disability.
• A start-up package is available to support hiring a PhD student to kickstart your research, covering the associated salary costs for four years.
• The possibility of an immediate tenured position for candidates who present a demonstrably qualified profile and possess at least two years of relevant experience following their PhD.
• A dedicated mentoring program to help you get to know the university and the Dutch (research) environment.
• A Development Track with the prospect of becoming an Associate Professor. 
• High-quality training programs for academic leadership and teaching.
• An excellent technical infrastructure and on-campus children's daycare.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• 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 Expat Scheme) 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.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

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. Tom Oomen via [email protected] 
• prof. Maurice Heemels via [email protected]
• prof. Theo Hofman via [email protected]

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact Josje van Oudenaarden, Senior Recruiter, via  [email protected] 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. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications, three key publications and their motivation, and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application. 
• Description of your scientific interests and plans (1-2 pages).
• Statement of your teaching goals and experience (1-2 pages).

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. Please note that incomplete applications may not be considered and could be rejected.

We look forward to receiving your application at the latest October 6, 2026, at 23:59 CET.

The recruitment process will typically include the following sequential selection rounds:

• Online interviews with a selection committee in 2nd half of October 2026.
• A shortlist of candidates will be invited to visit our campus, including interviews and an introduction program to get to know the group, the department and our university. We expect this to take place in November/December 2026. 
• A final formal interview on our campus with a Recruitment Advisory Committee, which will assess the candidate’s suitability. We expect this to take place in December 2026/January 2027. 

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

Please note 

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.