Assistant Professor Sustainability and Transformative Change

Functieomschrijving

Would you like to actively contribute to the work on transformations towards sustainability? We are looking for an enthusiastic colleague with a ‘can do’ mindset to conduct research on sustainability and transformative change with special attention to transforming academia towards becoming a change agent for sustainability.

TIS Group

The Technology, Innovation and Society (TIS) group at the Department of Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences (IE&IS) works on sustainability transitions and transformative governance in a variety of empirical fields. We address such transitions from socio-technical, global-local, and historical-contemporary perspectives. We mobilize a variety of qualitative and quantitative methods, including socio-technical modelling. Being driven by the urgent need to address complex and wicked problems, we carry out transdisciplinary research as part of which we work closely with several TU/e engineering departments. We also actively collaborate with a variety of societal actors ranging from governments and companies to NGOs, citizens and user communities. TIS staff teaches in the BSc program ‘Sustainable Innovation’, 'Innovation Management and Sustainability', ‘Sustainable Energy Technologies’, as well as in the university-wide programs for engineering students. Our alumni engineers have an entrepreneurial mindset, understanding of climate urgency and sensitivity to social context.

Sustainability and Transformative Change

One of our research foci that we would like to advance, is sustainability and transformative change. The mounting societal crises put pressure on all actors to rethink their modus operandi. Universities are under increasing pressure to create sustainable impact and lead on transformative change. Sustainability, however, challenges the current paradigms based on which universities operate. It questions traditional cultures of research and education and calls for new routines and governance structures. Being sustainable requires more than knowledge of, and commitment to SDGs. To realize this ambition, TU/e has appointed a sustainability ambassador and set a core #SustainableTUe team. Sustainability became a crosscutting theme at several departments incl. IE&IS and is actively integrated within TU/e’s education, research, operations, and governance. TIS research on sustainability transitions is in high demand to guide and inform these transformation processes towards becoming a sustainability change agent.

Job Description

We are looking for a colleague to strengthen the TIS group and #SustainableTUe team. You will be expected to contribute to the group’s research on transformative change towards sustainability (40%), teaching on sustainability, sustainable innovation and transitions at bachelor, master and PhD level (40%), and through this work, to the activities of the #SustainableTUe team (20%). In doing so, you are expected to develop your own unique research profile and you may develop beyond the focus on academia. With the university initially providing the empirical playground, you need an intrinsic motivation and interest in action research and transdisciplinary working environment. We therefore look for a colleague with an open mind, and a ‘can do’ mentality, a connector, who has an extensive skill set and not a monodisciplinary expert.

Functie-eisen

• PhD in innovation sciences, transition studies or related.
• Knowledge/experience/interest in the field of transformative change for sustainability, preferably at academia.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct and publish high quality academic research in a relevant domain.
• Demonstrated ability to cross disciplinary boundaries and draw on insights from other fields.
• Affinity with research in practical contexts and interest in making impact through action research.
• Background in qualitative and quantitative innovation sciences methods and respect for methodological pluralism.
• Enthusiasm for, and track record in academic teaching on sustainable innovation and transitions shown by good course evaluations; professional teaching experience is an advantage.
• Affinity with transformative teaching methods.
• Motivation to continually improve teaching skills; UTQ is an advantage.
• Motivation to develop new courses and learning lines on sustainable innovations and transitions for engineers.
• Proficiency of the English language; Dutch language is an advantage.
• Good communication and management skills.

Arbeidsvoorwaarden

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:

• An initial contract of five years (in the very near future the intention is to work towards giving a permanent contract at an earlier stage).
• 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.

Informatie en sollicitatie

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. In 2023 it ranked 4th in SustainaBUL. 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.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? You can contact Anna J. Wieczorek, professor sustainable innovation and transitions, a.j.wieczorek[at]tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process and the conditions of employment. Or you can contact Hella Ploegmakers, senior recruiter, h.a.m.ploegmakers[at]tue.nl

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 referees.
• Description of your scientific interests and plans (1-2 pages) and the link with research done at the TIS group.
• Statement of your teaching goals and experience (1-2 pages) including your affinity with transformative teaching methods.

We look forward to receive your application by 5 January 2024.
The first round of interviews will be held in the fourth week of January 2024.
The Candidate Day will be held beginning – mid February 2024.
An assessment could be part of the process.