Infrastructure systems (such as the distribution and transmission grids for electricity, natural gas or hydrogen), are highly complex, large-scale socio-technical systems, spanning many temporal, spatial and organizational scales. They are embedded and intertwined with many different social systems and jointly affect urban, industrial and transport systems.

Decision-makers tasked with future developments heavily rely on models and simulations to gain an understanding of the operation and impacts of socio-technical systems involved in the sustainability transition.  Developing multi-models to gain insights into the interactions and complexities involved, and the uncertainties, however, poses significant scientific, technical and methodological challenges.

As a researcher in this position you will work closely together with your colleagues within the research group and with expert stakeholders in the field to design, integrate and couple  (stakeholder) models for the design of a pro-active/reactive digital twin or as a tool for the exploration of possible developments in the future.

The focus of this position is on developing methods, tools and practices for participatory multi-design and modelling of integrated and coupled simulation models of multiple infrastructures within your research. 

In this position you will be expected to

-               Perform research in the field of Multi-modelling

-               Teach

-               Work together with a wide range of national and international stakeholders

This position will be fulfilled within the Multi-Actor Systems (MAS) Department of the Faculty Technology, Policy and Management (Delft University of Technology) focuses on socio-technical systems’ governance. By governance, we mean the use of instruments, strategies, and structures to shape or change socio-technical systems or parts thereof.

Research at MAS addresses how, in such an environment, decision-making, change and coordination of and in socio-technical systems happen. We are actively working in application domains such as water, climate change, energy, cyber security, transport and logistics, humanitarian response and resilience.

MAS provides education to students in all the master and bachelor studies taught at the Faculty of Technology, Policy & Management. Our teaching emphasises the consequences of the multi-actor perspective for modelling (conceptually and quantitative) and design (robust and fit for ‘real world’ actor behaviour).

Please check our web page for further information on the department and our work 

Education

Department

And the labs, in particular, the Participatory Systems Labs, Labs

The Systems Engineering section within the faculty of Technology, Policy and Management focuses on the design and coordination of large-scale, complex systems that enable and support the participation of multiple stakeholders.

• A strong background in modelling and simulation with strong motivation to contribute to cutting-edge research on participatory multi-modelling of large-scale socio-technical infrastructural systems
• Interest and experience with research collaboration with other researchers and external stakeholders, as a team player
• A PhD in Simulation and Modelling, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence,  or a related field
• Excellent scientific credentials including high-quality scientific publications
• Experience in attracting external funding is desirable, as is a strong network
• Good didactic qualities and teaching experience (preferably with a Basic Teaching Qualification)
• Excellent command of English is required
• Reasonable command of the Dutch language. If not, a basic level must be acquired within two years (support will be provided);     

Fixed-term contract: indefinite.

We offer talented academics a clear and attractive career path with the expectation that you will have the potential to grow into a full professor position in the future. If you perform well, the intention is to convert your contract into a permanent one. At the start of your employment, agreements will be made about this based on our performance indicators.

During the selection procedure, it will be determined, depending on your background and experience, whether you are eligible for an assistant professor Tenure Track position or an associate professor.

Inspiring, excellent education is our central aim. We expect you to obtain a University Teaching Qualification (UTQ) within three years if you have less than five years of teaching experience. This is provided by the TU Delft UTQ programme.

TU Delft sets high standards for the English competency of the teaching staff. The TU Delft offers training to improve English competency. If you do not speak Dutch, we offer courses to learn the Dutch language within three years.

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.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (salary indication for Assistant Professor: € 3.974 - € 6.181. Salary indication for Associate Professor € 5.506 - € 7.362).

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.

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.