The use of robotics in the construction industry is an evolving field. Robotics can provide solutions for current challenges in the construction industry such as the increasing construction demand, the shortage of staff, health and safety issues, and the quest for a more sustainable and efficient use of materials and (energy) resources. For instance, robotics can i) support human construction activities, thereby providing enhanced labour productivity; ii) prevent heavy lifting and manoeuvring by humans, thereby providing ease of construction and avoiding health and safety issues; and iii) use materials and resources in an optimized and precise manner, thereby preventing loss and wastage. Overall, this can lead to reduced construction costs and more efficient and sustainable structures.

Efficient deployment of robotics in construction can be further leveraged by the use of associated digital technologies such as, Building Information Modelling (BIM); digital twinning; sensing technologies; artificial intelligence (AI); design optimization; block chain technology; additive manufacturing (AM) and digital reality techniques (i.e. virtual, augmented, mixed or extended reality (VR/AR/MR/XR)). Further integration of these technologies within robotics in construction is therefore of great interest.

As assistant professor you will further advance the field of robotics in construction and develop digital technologies that enable the robotic construction of safe, smart and sustainable structures (e.g. for buildings, facades, bridges, etc.). The scientific challenges include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following aspects:

• The development of novel robotics-oriented digital design & engineering tools, that enable optimized structures;
• The development of robotic repair, remanufacturing, de- and re-construction technologies, that enable circular structures;
• The integration of robotics-related digital technologies (e.g. AI, AM, BIM, VR/AR, etc.) to inform the digital design & engineering process, to derive accurate digital models and to enhance the robotic construction processes;
• The experimental and numerical investigation of robotically fabricated components and structures, to determine their mechanical performance and to develop accurate numerical prediction models.

The position is located within the department Mechanics, Management & Design (3MD). 3MD focuses on the design, mechanics, materials and management of civil infrastructures and buildings. A multi-scale research approach is followed, starting at micro-scale (materials), to meso-scale (structures) and to macro-scale (infrastructures/systems). The department governs the entire life cycle from develop, design, build, maintain, operate to demolish or reuse. The department has strong competences in modelling and design for both civil infrastructures as well as buildings.

The position is embedded in the section Applied Mechanics, being part of the Department Materials, Mechanics, Management and Design (3MD). Within Applied Mechanics the group Structural Design & Building Engineering focusses on realizing safe, smart and sustainable structures and infrastructures. This field is deeply influenced by a demand to reduce impact of structures and infrastructures on society. Societal challenges are climate change, risk aversity in society, increasing pressure on use of space and new design techniques. New developments in structural design (e.g. parametric design, virtual/augmented reality, digitisation of the design and construction chain) together with further developments in existing technologies (BIM, FEM, digital prototyping) are expected to have major impact. The group is deeply involved in education, providing four courses in the BSc Civil Engineering and eight courses in the MSc Civil Engineering.

We are looking for a colleague who has the dedication to pursue an academic career. You have started a scientific track record and are able to give a firm scientific contribution to our knowledge and understanding of robotics in structural design and engineering.

Through research, personality and teaching qualities you can inspire co-workers and students alike.

You are expected to establish a strong, externally funded research program and are committed to excel in teaching at undergraduate (Dutch or English) as well as graduate level (English). Experience in teaching is considered as an advantage.

Furthermore;

• You hold a master degree and PhD degree in a relevant field (e.g. civil/structural/mechanical/building/architectural engineering).
• You have several years of postdoctoral experience in academia or in industry within a relevant field;
• You preferably have experience in writing scientific publications and funding proposals;
• You like to work in a team, like to work in a cooperative and amicable environment and possess good organizational and communication skills;
• You must be proficient in spoken and written English. International applicants are encouraged to acquire knowledge of the Dutch Language.

Fixed-term contract: 1 year.

A tenure-track position is offered for six years. In the fifth year we’ll decide if you will be offered a permanent faculty position, based on performance indicators agreed upon at the start of the appointment. We expect that you have the potential to grow towards an Associate Professor and/or Full Professor role in the future.

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.
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, a discount 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. An International Children's Centre offers childcare and there is an international primary school.

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 depletion, urbanisation and the availability of clean water, conducted  in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced that Open Science helps to achieve our goals 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.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences.