Transparency is important for consumers to have improved access and choice for healthy, sustainable and affordable food. There are many different technologies that can help to create such transparency, e.g., big data, the internet of things (IoT), blockchain and artificial intelligence. There are many different types of food supply chains involving many stakeholders with various and sometimes conflicting interests. Furthermore, several cross-cutting challenges need to be dealt with, such as privacy, security, interoperability and cost-effectiveness. This means that there is no 'one size fits all' for creating digital  transparency in the food supply chain and that the appropriate technology supporting transparency should be chosen based on the context.

As a PhD student in this project, you will investigate what technologies are suitable for creating what types of transparency in different food supply chain and contexts. For this cases will be investigated, systematically analysed tod create a model of the different contexts and digital transparency. You will do this on the basis of information obtained from various stakeholders (e.g., supply chain parties, policymakers) during interviews and focus groups. Furthermore, you will perform an extensive literature study to create an inventory of ICT technologies that could be used to create transparency and then determine in what contexts they would be suitable.

The applicant should have a MSc in information sciences, information systems, computer science, supply chain management, engineering systems & management, (digital) business or related fields. We seek candidates with a personal drive to improve and acquire new knowledge. Furthermore, applicants should demonstrate a solid background in articulating themselves in English.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2443 per month in the first year to € 3122 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts 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.

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 and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Technology, Policy and Management

With its excellent education and research at the intersection of technology, society and policy, the Faculty of TPM makes an important contribution to solving complex technical-social issues, such as energy transition, mobility, digitalisation, water management and (cyber) security. We combine insights from the engineering sciences, the social and the humanities. We develop robust models and designs, are internationally oriented and have an extensive network with knowledge institutions, companies, social organisations and governments.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management.