We are looking for a bright and inspiring postdoctoral researcher in the interdisciplinary field of circularity transition in urban and rural areas. The research concentrates on developing a simulation model that illustrates the circular loop of material flow on temporal and spatial scales and how to use this model in a serious game to increase stakeholders' awareness and engagement in this transition process.



Job Description



Circularity is about value retention and the reuse of resources. Questions related to circularity challenge us to find solutions on wider scales: urban and rural areas. Serious games offer a safe environment to test the potential cross-sectoral implications of integrated (policy) decisions. By providing immediate feedback on the decisions made using the simulation model, stakeholders learn about complexities. We are looking for a postdoc researcher who can synthesize the knowledge base and the underlying mechanisms for such serious games.



You will contribute to the development of a Serious Game for Circularity grids. This topic will be addressed in interdisciplinary research projects within our strategic alliance of universities. The motto of the alliance between Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Wageningen University & Research (WUR), Utrecht University (UU) and University Medical Centre Utrecht (UMCU) is Challenging Future Generations. We strive to do that by putting young researchers, lecturers, and students at the helm and collaborating across the scientific disciplines' borders. In the alliance, the four institutions combine their expertise to contribute to social transitions in the fields of health, food, energy, and sustainability (https://ewuu.nl/en/; https://ewuu.nl/en/research/circular-society/). The home base for your postdoc position is at the TU/e, where you will be supervised by dr. Qi Han. You will, however, be co-supervised by dr. Karin Rebel from UU and dr. Alexander Klippel from WUR. You are also expected to actively contribute to strengthening cooperation within the alliance, e.g. by working at one of the other institutes and/or our central alliance office for part of your work week.



The type of serious game we are after illustrates a physical environment in which circularity is pursued. As a prototype, we start with an area, represented by a material-based grid. The game zooms in on a specific challenge or multiple challenges that need to be tackled within that environment. For instance: CO2 emission, water consumption, waste management, scarce materials, reuse, biobased material, allow for flexible use, design for disassembly, etc. The prototype can be scaled up with a triple helix (stakeholders from industry, government, and universities) in an urban-rural development initiative setting. The research explores how to promote systemic thinking, the discovery of underlying mechanisms of nonlinear interdependent cause-effect relations, and potential circular business opportunities.

We expect you to produce the following concrete deliverables within two years:

• a simulation model that illustrates the circular loop of material flow on temporal and spatial scales
• a concept for the Serious Game and a prototype implementation in co-creation with the associated principal investigators and aligned researchers;
• scientific publications on circular transitions;
• having initiated a collaborative interdisciplinary research proposal related to an external call or having participated in such a call;
• popular science publications in media with a broad audience;
• contributions to and frequent updates on selected social media;
• contributions to the organization of workshops and sandpits on your research theme within the alliance.

As a postdoc, you are an ambitious, enthusiastic, creative scientist and a team player, devoted to research and its applications in the field of circularity. You also have:

• PhD degree in an area of scientific relevance for the transition to a circular society; demonstrable interest and experience in circularity issues or issues related to sustainable transition processes and information systems in the built environment;
• experience with developing a data-driven simulation model
• experience or/and interests in game engines (e.g., unity, unreal, Tygron, etc.)
• demonstrable strong interest in multidisciplinary research;
• strong organizational skills, ability to come forward with concrete ideas to get things moving; good communication abilities, also comfortable outside of your area of expertise;
• good networking skills and enthusiasm to collaborate and interact with researchers from various disciplines and societal stakeholders;
• ability in acquisition and proposal writing for getting research funding;
• have an affinity for impact on society, combined with social media 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 2 years.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min €2.960 - max €4.670) .
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and a compensation for moving expenses.