PhD Logistics for fully circular processes in prefabricated modular construction

You will develop innovative methodologies and related tools to support the automation of circular (modular) construction processes and the optimal integrated planning of off-site production, logistics and on-site operations, thus accelerating the transition towards a digitally integrated circular construction industry.

Job Description

This position is one of the two PhD positions offered within the Department of Industrial Engineering and Innovation Sciences (IE&ES) and the Department of the Built Environment (BE) of Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). This PhD position is part of the research project 'Modular prefabricated construction: a circular asset management system for closed-loop supply and logistics chains' awarded within the TKI Dinalog innovation program for Construction Logistics and Mobile Equipment - Clean and Emission-Free Construction Logistics. The research project is aimed at accelerating the transition towards a circular economy through a digitally integrated closed-loop supply chain for prefabricated modular construction and focuses on three main goals: 1) a roadmap for transitioning to a digitally integrated circular supply/value chain, 2) a prototype digital twin for scenario analysis for off-site logistics planning, and 3) a prototype information system for digital product flows in the chain.

This PhD position is associated specifically to goals (1) and (2). The roadmap will set a clear line of sight for syndicates of stakeholders on the steps for transitioning to a digitally integrated closed-loop supply/value chain, with emphasis on the integrative mechanisms to create added value for the entire process. This will entail the development of a framework to analyse and redesign the value chain by focusing on the alignment between assets, processes and organizations based on system engineering approaches. The digital twin will enable scenario analysis for decision-making to develop coordinated production, offsite logistics and onsite assembly/disassembly planning which include the return and reuse of modules/parts. The digital twin will serve as a tool to support the automation of circular construction processes. Construction industrialization, typical of prefabricated modular concepts, makes the construction process a unique mix of manufacturing operations for off-site production of modules, logistics operations for transport and storing of modules and parts, and on-site assembly for finalizing building construction. The interaction and coupling between production, supply chain/logistics activities and onsite activities is made even stronger and more challenging to control and optimize when circularity strategies (including reuse and remanufacturing) are included. This calls for innovative integrated decision support tools for coordinating production, logistics and recovery planning to properly synchronize activities and ensure a seamless and sustainable construction process, thus unlocking the true potential for circularity of prefabricated modular concepts.

In this PhD project, you will conduct innovative multidisciplinary research at the intersection between industrial engineering/operations management and built environment by becoming part of the Operations, Planning, Accounting and Control Group (OPAC) at IE&ES and collaborating with the Information Systems in the Built Environment (ISBE) group at the BE Department.  You will closely collaborate in a leading role with several construction and logistics companies in the Netherlands, in particular De Meeuw (https://www.demeeuw.com/) to reshape construction logistics and support the automation of construction processes thus accelerating the transition towards a circular economy in construction industry where products and processes are environmentally and economically sustainable.

Not only will you be part of a challenging and innovative multidisciplinary project, you will also be able to learn, apply and improve diverse modelling techniques to support the creation of future-proof and circular construction logistics. You will give shape to the project through your own research, as part of these two groups, and through Master (MSc) student research projects that take place in the associated companies.

The construction sector is the biggest contributor to waste production, resources consumption and CO2 emissions due to energy intensive and polluting activities for material extraction, transportation, construction and demolition. With this research you will therefore contribute to the ambitious sustainability goals of a fully circular economy by 2050 set by the EU and the Dutch government.

Applicants are required to hold a master's degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Industrial Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or similar with strong background in Operations Management.

The preferred candidate will meet as many of the following requirements as possible:

• A research oriented attitude;
• Have a background in operations management;
• Experience in programming using well-known frameworks and languages, such as JavaScript and/or Python.
• Experience in construction logistics and industrialized construction, in particular aimed at making these logistics more future-proof, sustainable, and circular.
• Ability to function within a large and diverse project team, including industry.
• Fluent English skills, both written and spoken (C1 level);
• Interest in co-supervising MSc projects and motivated to develop your teaching skills.
• Project management skills.

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,770 max. €3,539).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.