Assistant Professor Circular Design of Structures/

Job description

The infrastructure and construction sectors face a plethora of challenges to drive down waste, emissions and the use of raw materials. To accelerate the sustainability of these sectors, a shift from the linear ‘take-make-waste’ economy to circularity is crucial. As an Assistant Professor at TU Delft you will take the lead in research geared to new design methods and technologies for structures, harnessing design for adaptation, disassembly and reuse principles. Within the wide scope of this multifaceted research field, you will further develop your vision of circularity in civil and structural engineering, and your own unique research line.

In your research you may e.g. focus on the reuse of components of dismantled buildings or structures, or the development of new technologies for reuse, repair and remanufacturing. Alternatively, you may leverage experimental, numerical and analytical methods to assess and validate the reliability of circular components in structures, and their resilience in the face of climate change. Or you may enhance design approaches with building information modelling, AI and parametric design tools. To realise your vision, you will write proposals and attract funding, partnering with stakeholders like government authorities, leading construction companies and engineering firms. You will also build your team of PhD students, whom you will supervise to completion. And you will disseminate knowledge, e.g. by writing papers, speaking at conferences and teaching BSc and MSc students. Contributing to our curriculum, you will bridge research and practice to prepare students for their future engineering challenges.

Your home base will be the Structural Design & Building Engineering group, where you will join our growing team of driven academics, teachers and PhD students. Conducting interdisciplinary research, you will connect with our experts in the fields of e.g. parametric design, robotic construction, digital fabrication, forensic engineering, and glass and façade structures. And you will be seeking collaboration with fellow scientists in the Materials, Mechanics, Management &; Design (3MD) department, and other departments and faculties like Architecture and the Built Environment. We are an internationally diverse team, sharing an ambition to reduce the environmental impact of the infrastructure and construction sectors. At 3MD we foster a collaborative, relaxed and accessible atmosphere. And you will get all the training and support you need to develop your academic career.

Requirements

We seek a colleague who has the dedication to pursue a career in academia. You have an outstanding scientific track record and are able to build and give a firm scientific boost to our knowledge and understanding of circular design of structures. You can, through your research, management skills and teaching qualities, inspire co-workers and students alike. Our future colleague is expected to establish a strong, externally funded research programme and is committed to excel in teaching at undergraduate (Dutch or English) as well as graduate level (English).

Furthermore;

• You hold an MSc in structural, building or civil engineering, or another relevant subject, as well as a PhD in a relevant field, and have a track record of scientific publications.
• You have demonstrable experience of conducting postdoctoral research or working in the construction sector on projects, preferably related to circular design.
• You thrive on conducting research geared to driving sustainability and circularity in the infrastructure and construction sectors, and have a clearly defined vision.
• Your research being interdisciplinary by nature, you have keen interest in the various relevant disciplines.
• Harnessing your communication and networking skills, you seek collaboration, know how to convince and inspire stakeholders of your proposals and vision, and drive meaningful team results.
• You enjoy interacting with, teaching and coaching students, while enhancing your own competencies, including teaching and leadership skills.
• You have a good command of written and spoken English, as you will be working in an international environment. If you are not yet proficient in Dutch, you are willing to learn the language as our undergraduate students are taught in Dutch and you will collaborate with Dutch partners.

Conditions of employment

This position is offered as an Academic Career Track position (0.8 – 1.0 FTE). During the Academic Career Track, we expect you to grow towards an Associate Professor position within a maximum of eight years, for which a position will be available. With other Academic Career Track colleagues, you will participate in the Academic Career Track Development programme, where you are offered ample opportunities to develop yourself in the areas of Education, Research, Societal Impact & Innovation, and Leadership & Organisation. You will regularly discuss your development and results with senior staff based on a personalized development plan and performance criteria agreed upon at the start of your Academic Career Track. You will start with a temporary contract that will be converted to a permanent contract no later than 12 -18 months after a positive evaluation, based on continuous confidence in your development potential and fit in the organisation.

Inspiring, excellent education is our central aim. We expect you to obtain a University Teaching Qualification (UTQ) within three years if you have less than five years of teaching experience. This is provided by the TU Delft UTQ programme as part of the Academic Career Track Development programme.

TU Delft sets high standards for the English competency of the teaching staff. The TU Delft offers training to improve English competency. If you do not speak Dutch, we offer courses to learn the Dutch language within three years.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged and you can work partly from home.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service addresses the needs of new international employees and those of their partners and families. The Coming to Delft Service offers personalised assistance during the preparation of the relocation, finding housing and schools for children (if applicable). In addition, a Dual Career Programme for partners is offered. The Coming to Delft Service will do their best to help you settle in the Netherlands.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Civil Engineering and Geosciences

The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Our research feeds into our educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource availability, urbanisation and clean water. Our research projects are conducted in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced of the importance of open science and supports its scientists in integrating open science in their research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in the following seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management.