The prime objective for this project is building an integration framework for the railway system. As a researcher, you need to conduct scientific research on integration beyond the combination of system elements. The focus is on challenges for design, operation, and management of interorganizational systems. Within this project, you will have the opportunity to participate in the development of the integration platform which is able to properly store, effectively share, and optimally use the available knowledge for decision-making purposes. With the support of industrial partners, you deal with real challenges in the complex, dynamic, and multi partner environment of the rail sector, and you will be able to develop your model and continuously test it in the industrial context and improve the outcome. This project is the result of collaboration between University of Twente, ProRail, Netherlands Railways, and High Tech Materials and Systems (HTSM). 

You will be able to present or publish your results at international conferences and journals. You will have the possibility to lead master students who do their final assignment on sub projects pertaining to your research.

You have obtained a MSc in Systems Engineering or another filed relevant to the position with interest in management and leadership. You have experience in model driven approaches, user interface design, and co-engineering practices. Prior knowledge and experience in system and software engineering, system safety practices or implementation of safety standards is a plus.
We welcome strong communication skills and interests for sharing knowledge, presenting at conferences and (project) meetings, and publication in peer-reviewed journals. Fluency in English is required, both spoken and written. Fluency in Dutch is an advantage.
The PhD project will be executed at the faculty of Engineering Technology under the Design, Production and Management (DPM) department, a team of approximately 65 academics and PhD’s which deal with the topics including but not limited to Human-Centered Design, Integrated Life Cycle Management, Multidisciplinary System Design and Maintenance. Prof. Leo van Dongen holds the chair of maintenance, and this research will be carried out under the supervision of Dr. Mohammad Rajabali Nejad. For more information on the research at the DPM department, please visit https://www.utwente.nl/et/dpm.
INFORMATION AND APPLICATION

For additional information regarding this position, visit https://integration.engineering or contact Dr.ir. Mohammad Rajabali Nejad: m.rajabalinejad@utwente.nl. We encourage you to submit your application, including a recent CV and your vision statement, as soon as possible but before March, 29th, 2020, using the link below.

We offer a challenging full-time PhD position in an inspiring multidisciplinary environment.

• We provide excellent mentorship and a stimulating research environment with excellent facilities;
• You will be given the opportunity to acquire teaching experience;
• You are offered a professional and personal development program within Graduate School Twente;
• A starting salary of € 2.325 gross per month in the first year and a salary of € 2.972 in the fourth year gross per month;
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• A solid pension scheme;
• Minimum of 29 holidays per year in case of full-time employment.

The University of Twente. We stand for life sciences and technology. High tech and human touch. Education and research that matter. New technology which leads change, innovation and progress in society. The University of Twente is the only campus university of the Netherlands; divided over five faculties we provide more than fifty educational programmes. We have a strong focus on personal development and talented researchers are given scope for carrying out groundbreaking research.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Because of our diversity values we do particularly support women to apply.

The Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) is one of the five faculties of the University of Twente. ET combines Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering. Our faculty has approximately 1800 bachelor and master students, 400 employees and 150 PhD candidates. The departments of the faculty cooperatively conduct the educational programmes and participate in interdisciplinary research projects, programmes and the research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centra and Digital Society Institute.