Assistant Professor In Sustainability Transitions

Job description

Would you like to work on accelerating the transition to more sustainable energy and mobility systems? We are looking for an enthusiastic colleague, who is able to conduct research and teaching on the interactions between technology and society in the context of complex and systemic socio-technical changes.

Group

The Technology, Innovation and Society (TI&S) group at the Department of Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences (IE&IS) works with diverse academic and societal actors on sustainability transitions, notably in the interrelated energy and mobility transitions. We address such transitions in socio-technical, global and/or historical perspective, conduct research on transition governance, sustainability assessment and transition modelling methods. We also do hands-on work on e.g. energy communities and micro-mobility. We are guided by the insight that sustainability transitions are complex and wicked problems, and that addressing them requires collaboration between diverse academic and societal partners. We work closely with TU/e engineering departments, and with societal partners ranging from governments and companies to NGOs and user communities.

A challenge that is particularly interesting at the moment is the increased interaction and integration of energy, mobility, and digital transition dynamics. Digital technologies (e.g. smart grids, smart mobility) can speed up and integrate sustainability transitions, but also carry risks—technologically, institutionally, and in terms of user practices. If the engineers educated at TU/e and our researchers are to address such challenges, they need a deep and integral understanding of current energy, mobility and digital systems from both engineering and  socio-economic perspectives.

TI&S staff teaches in the BSc program 'Sustainable Innovation', the MSc programs 'Innovation Sciences' and ‘Sustainable Energy Technologies’, and university-wide programs for engineering students.

Job Description

You will be expected to contribute to the group’s research, teaching and (possibly) its impact portfolio. In addition you are expected to develop a research profile of your own that contributes to the issues sketched above. You are expected to be able and willing to work in a multi/inter/transdisciplinary working environment. We are looking for a colleague with an open mind, a broad interest and an extensive skill set, not a monodisciplinary specialist. You will be expected to contribute to teaching engineering and other students, and supervising them in their multidisciplinary research thesis projects that may employ both qualitative and quantitative methods. This particular position requires affinity and competencies with regard to engineering as well as social dynamics.

Job Description

You will be expected to contribute to the group’s research, teaching and (possibly) its impact portfolio. In addition you are expected to develop a research profile of your own that contributes to the issues sketched above. You are expected to be able and willing to work in a multi/inter/transdisciplinary working environment. We are looking for a colleague with an open mind, a broad interest and an extensive skill set, not a monodisciplinary specialist. You will be expected to contribute to teaching engineering and other students, and supervising them in their multidisciplinary research thesis projects that may employ both qualitative and quantitative methods. This particular position requires affinity and competencies with regard to engineering as well as social dynamics.

Job requirements

• Motivated researcher and teacher with a PhD in a field relevant to sustainability transitions and the TI&S group (e.g. transition studies, energy studies, ecological economics, mobility studies, innovation sciences etc).
• Demonstrated ability to conduct and publish high quality academic research in a relevant domain.
• Ability and motivation to teach students in our own programs as well as from other Departments; willingness to continue improving teaching skills.
• Strong cooperation skills, also to work in multi/inter/transdisciplinary teams.
• Affinity and ability to engage with the technological as well as social aspects of transitions;  ability and willingness to work together with engineering science colleagues as well as social science/humanities colleagues.
• Proficiency in English (written and verbal). 

Conditions of employment

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:

• The initial contract is five years (in the near future the intention is to change this into 18 months with an evaluation moment at 12 months to consider a permanent contract).
• A Development Track with the prospect of becoming an Associate Professor. If you have a more senior profile, a tailor-made career proposal will be considered.
• The opportunity to focus your career on education, research or impact. You can develop your personal ambitions and objections within the strategic objectives of the university.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 11 (min. €3.974 max. €5.439).
• An attractive starting package.
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• A dedicated mentoring program to help you get to know the university and the Dutch (research) environment.
• High-quality training programs for academic leadership and teaching.
• 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 Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and partner career support.

Information and application

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow. 

Curious to hear more about what it is like as a professor at TU/e? Please view the video.

 Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact the hiring manager prof. Erik van de Vleuten, email e.b.a.v.d.vleuten[at]tue.nl or +31 40 247 4544.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact Heleen de Coninck, professor socio-technical innovation and climate change, email h.c.de.coninck[at]tue.nl.

The deadline to apply is 11 June 2023.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application.
The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.
• Description of your scientific interests (including multi/interdisciplinarity) and plans (1-2 pages) and the link with research done at the TI&S group.
• Statement of your teaching goals and experience (1-2 pages) including your affinity with teaching for instance system engineering, energy analysis or energy forecasting methods.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

The interviews will take place online and are scheduled on June 30 between 08.00 -11.30h and July 05 between 09.00 and 13.30h.