We are inviting applications for one PhD / Junior Lecturer position in the Department of Architecture to explore the theme of 'co-creation' and 'activating design' in the architectural practice. This is a combined Junior lecturer-researcher position with research ambitions with an employment contract of 6 years. During this period, the new colleague will be expected to obtain the BKO (University Teaching Qualification) and successfully complete their PhD.

The societal challenge of building more sustainably – with energy, mobility, and digital transitions, through engineering and architecture projects - call for more integrated design solutions and innovative ways of working together. The major challenge for the design is to deal more and more with a multitude of disciplines and stakeholders involved in the development of sustainable urban and architectural interventions both on the scale of the building, the district, the city, as well as on a regional and (inter)national level. How to deal with the complexity and scale of contemporary challenges? How can technology help to improve the design (process) for a more inclusive living environment? How can the use of open data be exploited to create an integrated sustainable urbanization?

In this position, the research project should address the co-creative design process (methods, approaches and tools) in the architectural design practice and the main challenges for participation and collaboration with stakeholders to the design, development and management of our living environment. The PhD project would stimulate a debate on the role of design (as a tool for communication among stakeholders) and its instruments (digital transition) and contribute to the development of a design discourse on integrated design. Proposals should reflect on case studies of complex urban projects and buildings such as a station (area), an airport or an hospital, where architecture meets other disciplines (for example urban data science, urban studies and management). This enables the researcher to explore on co-creation and (data-driven) integrated design approach.

You will work at the Department of Architecture under the guidance of Prof.ir. C.H.C.F Kaan (promotor) and dr. Manuela Triggianese (co-promotor), and the academic staff of Complex Projects, Section of History & Complexity. You will collaborate with other departments of the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment and other Faculties to develop a more transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary research. You will be asked to contribute to the teaching programme of the department as Junior Lecturer, for 1-day/week.

To be considered for this position you will have:

• Completed an MSc degree in Architecture or a related discipline that supports the proposed research objectives (for example Urban Design, Urbanism, Management of the Built Environment, Geomatics, Computational Design, Geography, Spatial Planning).
• Familiarity with spatial data analysis, the use of geographic information systems (for example ArcGIS) and 3D modelling (for example BIM).
• Scientific skills, as demonstrated by previous research and peer-reviewed publications.
• Work experience in the field of architecture and urban design.
• A good command of English (oral and written) and preferably also Dutch.      

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.

Fixed-term contract: 6 years.

The candidate will be offered a 6-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 4,5 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 last 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 as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Architecture & the Built Environment

The Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment has a leading role in education and research worldwide. The driving force behind the faculty’s success is its robust research profile combined with the energy and creativity of its student body and academic community. It is buzzing with energy from early in the morning until late at night, with four thousand people studying, working, designing, conducting research and acquiring and disseminating knowledge. Our faculty has a strong focus on 'design-oriented research’, which has given it a top position in world rankings.

Staff and students are working to improve the built environment with the help of a broad set of disciplines, including architectural design, urban planning, building technology, social sciences, process management, and geo-information science. The faculty works closely with other faculties, universities, private parties, and the public sector, and has an extensive network in the Netherlands as well as internationally.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Architecture and the Built