The Mechatronic System Design (MSD) group of the department Precision and Microsystems Engineering (PME) envisions that future mechatronic systems will be characterized by a high degree of function integration in order to meet space and performance requirements as well as the desire to use less material and energy. In mechatronic systems, many fields of expertise come together, not only integration of behavior by advanced modeling and control, but also embodiments where functions such as motion, transmission, actuation and sensing are distributed and naturally intertwine. By creating these truly integrated mechatronic systems, we aim to break new technological ground and achieve unprecedented performance in high-tech manufacturing equipment, medical technology and instrumentation, and related fields, thereby leading industry and society to reaching sustainable development goals.

The MSD group has an important contribution to the BSc Mechanical Engineering curriculum, both in the engineering courses and in the design projects. In the MSc Mechanical Engineering curriculum we are responsible for several substantial courses, many of which have a theoretical and a project part. Our education is closely related to our research, which is characterized by a balance between curiosity and application driven projects, oftentimes supported by industry. We are well-established scientifically as well as in Dutch industry.

Given our research and educational responsibilities, we are looking to expand our capacity by hiring an assistant professor with a research line that is complementary to the expertise present in the group and with special attention to education with the ambition to make impact in education that is related to the department and your research. 

• You will contribute to the research in MSD in close collaboration with your colleagues, and maintain a research line that is complementary to the expertise present in the group. This may involve participating in or (joint) application of research projects and (co)advising PhD students.
• You will develop your teaching portfolio, style, responsibilities and impact independently.
• In the BSc Mechanical Engineering curriculum, you will take a leading role in classroom teaching, design projects and managerial activities.
• At MSc level you will contribute in existing classes or develop your own courses, and supervise MSc graduation projects, typically closely related to your research line.
• You will be involved in the management and organization of the educational team and education policy in the department and possibly beyond, and are expected to gradually assume more responsiblities.

In all of these modalities you will have a lot of opportunity to innovate and develop your own style. We have extensive educational and research laboratory facilities, including modern manufacturing and characterization equipment, which are run by a team of professional technicians. We have an open and supportive atmosphere and there are ample opportunities to collaborate in the department, the faculty as well as other groups inside and outside of the university, and with companies. A start-up package will include a 4-year PhD student position plus required materials and equipment. 

To be considered for the position you will have:

• A PhD degree in a field relevant to the position.
• Experience as a postdoc researcher, teacher, or similar (e.g. R&D in high-tech company).
• A portfolio of journal publications, patents, designs and/or demonstrators that illustrate your theoretical and practical expertise.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English, willingness to learn Dutch.
• Affection for teaching and preferably some experience.
• A collaborative attitude.

Fixed-term contract: 1,5 years.

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.

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 Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the 3mE faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

3mE is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in 3mE’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.