The focus of your PhD research project is to develop an understanding of current management practices in integrated urban development. The transition towards sustainable cities calls for crossover collaborations between sectors and administrative levels. In times of shifting state-market-civil society relationships, innovative partnerships emerge, which may have redistributional effects in terms of ownership and access and call for institutional change.

In your research you will investigate particular crossover collaborations at the urban area level (neighbourhood, district) in support of sustainability (e.g. innovations supporting resource efficiency, accessibility and climate change adaptation, e.g. waste-to-energy, smart grids, circular building, nature-based solutions, etc.). In your research you will analyse the partnerships and the processes in which they have emerged, in order to identify the key mechanisms influencing the course and outcome of such processes. Comparative analysis of cases in different institutional contexts will allow you to identify the conditions, barriers, opportunities and requirements for such partnerships and stakeholder strategies.
The research will be informed by theories of institutional change, risk management, adaptive planning, and governance and management of public values.

The research will be conducted within the Urban Development Management section. The group observes societal trends that lead to valuation approaches for the broad quality of urban environments (e.g. healthy, inclusive or resilient), not only the quality of private property and real estate or the direct public expenditures. Such approaches are needed to legitimate investments in sustainable area development, and to come to long-term agreements (including PPP-contracts) between government, market, and local community stakeholders. The long-term relationships between actors implied by these partnerships will have practical, instrumental, spatial, but also institutional and societal consequences.

You have a relevant MSc degree in urban planning, technology management, urban studies, geography, or other urban or urban technology related studies and developed a broad interest in connecting different research fields. Proven interest in the topic of the study through previously conducted research or activities in the area of urban studies or urban management will be an advantage for the selection of the candidate.

You are demonstrably proficient in Dutch (NT2 level is required) and English, verbally and in writing. The working environment at the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment at TU Delft appeals to you, and you are disciplined and able to work independently. You have a demonstrable affinity with doing research, which means, among other things: developing a theoretical framework, analysing empirical data (qualitative and/or quantitative), (critically) reflecting on the actions of actors in the area-oriented practices studied and formulating action perspectives. You also have affinity with writing texts on the built environment, for academics and practitioners.

Fixed-term contract: PhD (4 year contract).

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. Based on a full-time appointment (38 hours per week) the gross monthly salary will range from €2,325 (first year) up to a maximum of €2,972 (last year). The annual salary will be increased by 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% end-of-year bonus.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit www.phd.tudelft.nl for more information.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

https://www.tudelft.nl

Faculty Architecture & the Built Environment

Since its foundation 110 years ago, the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment has built up a solid international reputation for training architects, urban planners and designers, as well as for its research portfolio and coaching of PhD candidates. With around 2600 students and 500 staff members, with around 230 FTEs devoted to academic positions, our faculty is one of the largest of Delft University of Technology and one of the most prestigious architecture and the built environment faculties globally. Traditionally, the faculty has prioritised high-quality training in design and research in the field of the built environment. Over 40 chairs cover a wide range of academic areas in design, process and technology, which together cover the entire field of the built environment. The faculty has a budget of around €38 million, of which approximately €7 million is sourced indirectly and from contracts with third parties.

The department of Management in the Built Environment (MBE) works towards a sustainable built environment where the interests of the end user and other stakeholders are key. MBE focuses on solutions for the development and management of buildings, portfolios and urban areas and the education to the next generation of managers in the built environment. MBE provides education and performs scientific research in the management of the built environment and helps to meet the growing demand for building engineers with the necessary knowledge and skills relating to the management aspects of the initiation, development, and design of the built environment.

https://www.tudelft.nl/en/architecture-and-the-built-environment/