PhD position: Business Ecosystem Development for Sustainable Steel Production

Key takeaways

• Join a world-class institution with a focus on sustainability and innovation;
• Participate in the Groeien met Groen Staal (Growing with Green Steel - GGS) program funded by the Dutch National Growth Fund; See: https://groeienmetgroenstaal.nl/en/
• Develop scenario-based strategies for a green steel innovation ecosystem;
• Collaborate with steel manufacturers, steel users, and knowledge partners;
• Join a diverse and encouraging international research community and present your research at international conferences.

The challenge

This PhD project, part of the Groeien Met Groen Staal (GGS) program, strives to develop strategies to guide the evolution of a green steel innovation ecosystem. Using scenario-based roadmapping, this research will identify and align the interests of key stakeholders, such as steel manufacturers, bulk consumers in the construction and automotive sectors, and knowledge partners.

The project will be supervised by Dr Erwin Hofman, Dr Niels Pulles, and Dr Holger Schiele from the University of Twente in close collaboration with various business partners. As a PhD candidate, you will join a supportive, diverse international community in a dynamic academic environment.

We look for a highly motivated, enthusiastic researcher who is driven by curiosity and has/is:

• Master’s degree in business, management or engineering background, such as business administration, industrial engineering and management, economics, or business information technology, or equivalent experience;
• Affinity and/or experience with technology-based innovation;
• A good team spirit and like to work in an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented environment;
• Able to do independent research and willing to develop writing and publication skills;
• Possess good communication skills and an excellent command of English.

A full-time, 4-year PhD position is available. We offer excellent mentorship in a stimulating research environment with excellent facilities. Additionally, we provide a personal development program within the Twente Graduate School, following the terms of employment outlined in the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Universities (CAO).

• Gross monthly salary of € 2.901 in the first year, increasing each year up to € 3.707 in the fourth year;
• Excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme;
• 29 holidays per year in case of full-time employment;
• A training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision;
• A green campus with free access to sports facilities and an international scientific community;
• A family-friendly institution;
• As an employee at the UT, you will receive a full status, which includes pension, health care benefits, and good secondary conditions. This is all covered under our collective labour agreement CAO-NU for Dutch universities.

The HBE department aims to build an encouraging work environment. We provide equal opportunities to all job applicants. Our selection process is based solely on competence and ability. We also offer flexible working conditions on an individual basis to promote work-life balance, which may include employment contracts, working hours, location, or childcare arrangements.

The High Business Entrepreneurship corporate video can be watched via this link

Are you interested in being part of our team? Please submit your application before 1st of April 2025 and include the following:

• A cover letter (maximum two pages A4) emphasising your specific interest, qualifications, and motivations to apply for this position;
• A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of all courses attended and grades obtained, and, if applicable, a list of publications and references;
• The IELTS-test, Internet TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT), or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE). Applicants with a non-Dutch qualification and who have not had secondary and tertiary education in English can only be admitted with an IELTS-test showing a total band score of at least 6.5, internet. TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT) showing a score of at least 90, or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE).

Additional information can be acquired via email from e.hofman@twente.nl or n.j.pulles@utwente.nl.