The PhD researcher will perform socio-technical research on governing trust in information sharing. One of the main challenges for information sharing is the lack of trust, control and certainty in data exchange. The rise of digital trust services (such as authentication and personal data wallets) provides new opportunities for improving trust in information sharing. However, we lack knowledge on how to integrate and govern trust services in and between existing domains, such as Standard Business Reporting. For instance, we know little about how to develop cross-domain governance models for trust services that can be used across various domains (e.g., government, finance, mortgages, pensions etc.).

Research methods can include design science research, surveys and case studies. The candidate will work as part of a national coalition led by Digicampus (www.digicampus.tech) and collaborate with other researchers, policy-makers and technology experts from various organisations, including Logius, the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations and the Tax Office.

During the PhD, the candidate will conduct this research with the national coalition and prepare scientific articles presenting the research at conferences and in journals. To enable the candidate to do this successfully, TU Delft offers personal and professional training courses in the form of a graduate school, in which the candidate will participate. Furthermore, in addition to her/his scientific supervisors, the applicant will receive an independent senior research as mentor, to aid her personal career development.    

Prospective candidates have a Master’s degree in fields such as public administration, information sciences, economics, social science, business or related fields. We seek candidates with a personal drive to improve and acquire new knowledge. Candidates should speak and write Dutch fleuently in order to benefit from the rich research enviroment at Digicampus. Furthermore, applicants should demonstrate a solid background in articulating themselves in English.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

TU Delft offers PhD-candidates a 4-year contract, with an official go/no go progress assessment after one year. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2395 per month in the first year to € 3061 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

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 and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Technology, Policy and Management

With its excellent education and research at the intersection of technology, society and policy, the Faculty of TPM makes an important contribution to solving complex technical-social issues, such as energy transition, mobility, digitalisation, water management and (cyber) security.
We combine insights from the engineering sciences, the social and the humanities. We develop robust models and designs, are internationally oriented and have an extensive network with knowledge institutions, companies, social organisations and governments.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management.