Public policy making in areas such as mobility, energy, water, and health is a process involving multiple actors, often with competing interests and different, possibly conflicting, views on problems and solutions. In addition, risk, uncertainty, incomplete information, a lack of understanding, and increased interconnectedness of systems and human behaviour therein, pose important challenges. System Dynamics modelling is used in supporting decision making in such complex situations. However, the increasingly uncertain context and multi-actor nature of such issues mean that the method and its applications to complex, systemic issues require further development. This is the challenge at the heart of the position we are offering.

You have expertise in System Dynamics modelling and are interested in further developing the System Dynamics method and/or its application in complex public policy contexts. This may be related to, for example, participatory exploratory modelling and analysis, model behavioural analysis, visualisation and uncertainty, spatial representation, hybrid/multi-modelling, incorporating (real time) data, model validation in relation to uncertainty, the mathematical underpinnings of System Dynamics, and serious games.

You will join a faculty which has System Dynamics as one of its core modelling methods. Specifically, you will be part of the Policy Analysis group in the Department of Multi-Actor Systems at the Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management. Policy analysis at TPM has its roots in systems analysis aided by qualitative and quantitative modelling of socio-technical-environmental systems. You will also be involved in teaching and further developing System Dynamics courses for BSc and MSc students, and in supervising PhD students.

The areas of application of the Policy Analysis group are water and delta systems, transport systems, urban systems, and health systems. You are expected to have an active interest and relevant network in one or more of these areas. 

We are looking for someone who has:

• Proven research performance in the field of System Dynamics, as demonstrated by a PhD degree and publication track record
• An appreciation of the advantages and disadvantages of diverse qualitative and quantitative modelling methods in addressing public policy problems
• Affinity with the public domain, and ability and interest to cross disciplinary boundaries
• Enthusiasm for and relevant experience in academic teaching and supervision
• Experience in at least one of the application areas of interest to the group
• A team oriented attitude, and strong communication and collaboration skills
• Professional proficiency in the Dutch language or willingess to acquire it
• Excellent command of the English language, both spoken and written

Fixed-term contract: indefinite.

Conditions of Tenure Track employment (in case of an assistant professor position)

A tenure-track position is offered for six years. A Tenure Track offers young, talented academics a clear and attractive career path. Based on performance indicators agreed upon at the start of the appointment, a decision will be made by the fifth year whether to offer you a permanent faculty position. For more information about the Tenure Track and the personal development programme, please visit tenure track at TU Delft (https://www.tudelft.nl/en/about-tu-delft/working-at-tu-delft/tenure-track).

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. Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice can support with advice for you and your accompanying partner about your individual settling needs in the Netherlands. Once arrived you can be supported with individual consults and diverse workshops. Located on Campus are the International Children’s Centre and an international primary school, which are subject to availability as well as several bilingual schools in the nearby surrounding.Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

The TU Delft sets specific standards for the English competency of the teaching staff. The TU Delft offers training to improve English competency. Inspiring, excellent education is our central aim. If you have less than five years of teaching experience and do not yet have your teaching certificate, you get the chance to obtain this within three years.

- Fulltime, salary scale 11-12: € 3.974.- to € 6.181,- per month gross (assistant professor position)

- Salary scale 13-14  € 5.506,- to € 7.362,- per month gross (associate professor position)

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.