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:
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:
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:
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. We are Eindhoven University of Technology - YouTube
Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact the hiring manager dr.ir. J.H. (Jurgen) Ganzevles, j.h.ganzevles[at]tue.nl or +31 614680797.
Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact Scott Jacops, HR advisor, s.m.m.c.b.jacops[at]tue.nl or + 31 40 247 3161.
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 using the apply-button. The application should include a:
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.