PhD Position in Sustainable Circular Business Models and Finance for Hubs for Circularity

Background

Despite the ongoing efforts of the European Union policies, heavily industrialized clusters are lagging in the implementation of Industrial Symbiosis (IS) to transit to more resource- and energy-efficient setups. To advance IS implementation, a promising future research direction is Hubs for Circularity (H4C). H4C provide spaces where diverse actors, such as businesses, governments, researchers, and civil society, collaborate to accelerate the net-zero Circular Economy (CE) transition. UT acquired the large-scale Horizon Europe project entitled "Sustainable Circular Economy Transition: from Industrial Symbiosis to Hubs for Circularity: IS2H4C”. IS2H4C will deliver a systemic approach to sustainable CE transition, helping to materialise Sustainable Development Goals.

Our focus? Resource efficiency, IS matchmaking, Life Cycle Assessment, renewable energy, waste prevention, and innovative circular technologies, through an integrated approach combing physical and digital H4C. Ensuring community and government support, sustainable business and financial models, and respect for our planet is paramount.

Our vision? Make IS2H4C the blueprint for Europe's sustainable future and promote H4C as a reference sustainable regional development model. We're starting in four H4C pilot sites across the Netherlands, Spain, Germany, and Türkiye, collaborating with 35 partners from nine European countries.

Join us! UT is hiring six PhD students for IS2H4C, each with unique roles and qualifications. Be part of an interdisciplinary team shaping the future of CE and IS2H4C while advancing your research.

Key takeaways

As process industry navigates a fast-evolving financial landscape and respond to the pressing demand for sustainable and circular business model investments, the role of AI becomes even more pivotal in shaping the future of decision-making. Using Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) models, we intend to analyze financial investments & credit risk indicators within the context of Hubs 4 Circularity (H4C). While these AI techniques have been broadly applied in traditional financial settings, there's a notable gap when it comes to addressing the unique dynamics of businesses operating within the circular economy, particularly in H4C. The existing financial models often overlook the environmental and social costs and intricacies of circular business models, which could significantly influence investment and credit risk decisions. This Ph.D. project aims to delve deep into understanding the intersection of finance and sustainable circular business models, focusing on the H4C. Our goal is to equip the industry and society with cutting-edge AI-powered tools and models that foster sustainable, data-driven financial strategies, deeply rooted in the principles of a circular economy. Are you driven to redefine the financial industry by enhancing risk assessments and investment decisions, all while championing sustainability and circularity? If this resonates with you, this position could be your ideal opportunity!

We look for a highly motivated, enthusiastic researcher who is driven by curiosity and has/is:

• Master's degree or equivalent in Business Analytics/Finance, Information Technology, Computer Science, Industrial Engineering, or related field;
• Knowledge and interest in business and financial models, finance for sustainability, circular economy, information systems, and industrial symbiosis;
• A strong quantitative background and is experienced with quantitative analytics techniques, in particular data science and prescriptive analytics;
• Motivation to work on sustainability challenges and renewable energy systems - Prior experience on these subjects is a plus;
• Proficiency in coding with a language like Python, Matlab, C++, Java, or similar is a plus;
• Excellent teammate in an enthusiastic and hardworking group of scientists. You like to work in an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented environment;
• Able to do independent research and willing to develop writing and publication skills;
• Possess good communication skills and an excellent command of English.

We encourage high responsibility and independence, while collaborating with colleagues, researchers, other university staff and partners. We follow the terms of employment by the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Universities (CAO). Our offer contains: a fulltime 4-year PhD position with a qualifier in the first year; excellent mentorship in a stimulating research environment with excellent facilities; and a personal development program within the Twente Graduate School. It also includes:

• Gross monthly salary of € 2.770 in the first year, increasing each year up to € 3.539 in the fourth year;
• Excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme;
• 29 holidays per year in case of full-time employment;
• A training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision;
• A green campus with free access to sports facilities and an international scientific community;
• A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid);
• A full status as an employee at the UT, including pension, health care benefits and good secondary conditions are part of our collective labour agreement CAO-NU for Dutch universities.

The HBE cluster is dedicated to encouraging a supportive and inclusive working culture. Our aim is that all job applicants are given equal opportunities. When we select candidates for employment, it will be on the basis of their competence and ability. To support the workforce diversity, we are open to offer flexible working conditions on an individual basis to support work-life balance, that may include contract of employment, working hours and location, or child care arrangements.

The High Business Entrepreneurship corporate video can be watched via this link.