The assistant professorship is a tenure track position, related to AI in construction. This position includes teaching, research, valorization and administrative duties.

Vacancy Profile

Architectural design, engineering offices and construction companies are digitizing fast and effectively. Over the last decade, Building Information Modelling (BIM) has been introduced; and this is by now adopted by many companies in practice. Currently, research, innovation, and development initiatives are directed towards further digitization of this industry, looking particularly in the direction of web technologies, decentralized and transactional data exchange, and adoption of a variety of Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques (pattern recognition, neural networks, learning robots, anomaly detection, etc.).

By means of this vacancy, we seek to invest in this very important area of research. We hereby consider the use of BIM, databases, web technologies, and software development as a given; and try to investigate their use in our industry of Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC). We look forward to further advance and apply state of the art knowledge about (1) the collection, handling, and use of building data in relational databases, graph databases, key-value stores and so forth; and (2) the creation of effective AI algorithms that can leverage this data to improve processes in the built environment, in particular construction sites and operational buildings.

The development and implementation of improved data handling and AI techniques in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry is a means to improve construction productivity, efficiency, and also livability, quality, sustainability and comfort of our built environment. We have a strong mission and vision to improve not only efficiency in the AEC sector, but also to improve the overall quality of our built environment overall. In that context, the ISBE chair follows a research program in which construction sites and operational buildings are digitized (digital twin). Data about the built environment is collected and combined using web technologies and various sorts of databases. The integrated data can be used in combination with AI algorithms (neural networks, regression, pattern recognition, association rule mining, data mining, etc.) in order to provide decision support to various end users, including facility managers, construction site managers, building owners, users, and any potential stakeholder in a built environment.

Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is a leading research university specializing in engineering science and technology. This is a young university with strong bonds to industry practice and a strong focus on technology. Following the strategic goals, the Department of the Built Environment (BE) aims to educate future generations of students and meet today's and tomorrow's societal challenges. It has therefore set out an AI in the Built Environment program, focusing on the research themes Digital Twins, Robotization, Prediction, and Ambient Intelligence.

Tasks

As an assistant professor, you will contribute to achieving the educational and research objectives of the chair of Information Systems in the Built Environment (ISBE), within the unit Urban Systems and Real Estate (USRE), particularly focusing on AI in Construction. You will participate in the teaching of courses and the supervision of MSc and PhD students, both design- and research-oriented. You will be embedded in the ISBE group and closely collaborate with colleagues working on information handling methods for linked building data, building informatics, geospatial data, sensor data, cultural heritage, circular economy, and Internet of Things (IoT). Also beyond the ISBE group, you will collaborate with colleagues in the USRE chair on robotics, urban modelling, and ambient intelligence in houses and neighborhoods. You will be involved in the writing of research proposals and the acquisition of external funds to strengthen current and new research initiatives in the chair. You will pursue strategic internal and external collaborations and publish your research results in high-quality scientific journals.

Besides these collaborations and initiatives in the ISBE Group and USRE Chair, you will also be responsible for initiating multidisciplinary research projects with colleagues from other Departments, through our Eindhoven AI Systems Institute (EAISI). This may include colleagues from Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences, Mathematics & Computer Science.

Requirements

We offer a stimulating and ambitious educational and research environment and are looking for candidates with the following qualifications:

• You hold an MSc Degree in Engineering and a PhD Degree in the field of architectural engineering or civil engineering or computer science.
• You have demonstrated your research skills by means of publications in reputed journals and conference proceedings.
• You have an affinity with Building Information Modelling (BIM), databases, software development.
• You have a particular motivation to contribute in the domain of AI in construction.
• You have gained international experience and collaborated internationally on the vacancy topic.
• You can create a vibrant and effective learning environment and have the ability to motivate students both in research-based and challenge-based types of education (academic proficiency and design and engineering attitude).
• You have a supportive international network in academia and industry, which will help you to acquire research funding.
• You have an affinity with engineering applications in the built environment and a creative mind in finding new solutions.
• You have a good command of English, both orally and in writing.
• You are able to work collaboratively as well as independently.

Appointment and Salary

We offer a challenging job in a dynamic and ambitious university. The city of Eindhoven offers a relaxed, multicultural environment, high quality of life and many options for extra-curricular activities. The city has a mild climate, and it is well-connected by rail, air, and road links with major European cities. The city is at the heart of the Brainport region of Netherlands, a region with rapid growth, innovation and many permanent employment opportunities for expats. TU/e actively facilitates career opportunities for partners. Candidates moving to the Netherlands from abroad may qualify for a tax incentive scheme, where 30% of your income is tax-free for a (maximum) period of five years. Click here for more information.

We offer a temporary appointment for five years in a 'development track'. The development track can lead to a permanent appointment with the prospect of becoming associate professor. This provides young and talented scientists with the opportunity to grow into an internationally acknowledged academic. Based upon performance indicators agreed upon at the start of your appointment, a decision will be made in the final year whether or not to offer you a permanent position.

We offer support to your professional and personal development. The TU/e helps its scientific staff to further develop their teaching skills by offering a training program that leads to the official teaching certification from Dutch Universities (University Teaching Qualification). Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to participate in the training Academic Leadership for Assistant Professors and a mentoring program.

Gross monthly salaries are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO NU). Salary is based on knowledge and experience and is at least € 3.637,00 up to a maximum of € 4.978,00 gross per month (salary scale 11, cao NU) at a fulltime appointment; plus 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% end-of-year allowance. Besides that the TU/e provides an attractive package of fringe benefits (including excellent work facilities, child care and excellent sport facilities). The TU/e offers several spouse programs for partners of the candidates.

If you will be appointed as an Irène Curie Fellow, you are entitled to a substantial start-up package to kick-off your career.