Researcher In Building Acoustics and Open Research Software

Functieomschrijving

The Building Acoustics research group at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is seeking a permanent researcher to join the team. We are looking for a candidate passionate about developing methodologies for predicting sound in buildings and contributing to open research software in this field.

We value collaboration, innovation, and societal impact. Our ideal candidate enjoys working in a team and shares our mission to leverage impact to a better sounding world for healthier and more sustainable built environments.

Our research focuses on understanding how the built environment influences sound propagation—from its sources to our ears. This involves the continuous development of computational and experimental acoustic methods, aimed at:

• Advancing fundamental and strategic research in sound production (e.g., footsteps on floors), propagation (e.g., scattering of sound in rooms), and perception (e.g., providing auralization tools).
• Providing researchers and designers with tools to integrate and optimize acoustics in sustainable building (re)design.

Our group specializes in computational methods for indoor and outdoor acoustics (Prof. Hornikx) and sound transmission (Prof. Van hoorickx). We are also a frontrunner in open-source research software in acoustics, actively building an international community of researchers, consultants, industry professionals, and software developers to enhance societal impact.

Internationally, our group is recognized for its work in computational acoustics for the built environment, open research software, and its annual Autumn School Series in Acoustics (ASSA). We have access to state-of-the-art experimental facilities, including the Echo Laboratory (building acoustics transmission suite, listening booth, impedance tubes) and a High-Performance Computing (HPC) cluster at TU/e for advanced simulations.

Key responsibilities of the position

The successful candidate will contribute to high-quality scientific research and the development of open research software within the field of building acoustics, in alignment with the research group's objectives.

• Conduct scientific research in room and/or building acoustics to advance both academic knowledge and societal impact.
• Contribute to, maintain, and improve the open research software developed within the group.
• Support the acquisition of research funding for both personal projects and collaborative initiatives.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the department to promote open research software practices.

The researcher will work closely with Professors Hornikx and Van hoorickx to strengthen the Building Acoustics research group and ensure the continuity and impact of its work.

Beyond conducting research, the candidate will play an active role in the team, helping to enhance the quality, stability, and visibility of the group’s research activities. As an independent scholar, the researcher will take on responsibilities in research execution, funding acquisition, supervision, supporting in education, working closely with the group’s professors.

In addition to their research duties, the candidate will have the opportunity to lead initiatives in open research software, such as organizing PhD training, hosting community events, or establishing departmental frameworks to foster open science practices.

Functie-eisen

• Motivated researcher, with a PhD in in acoustics, ideally in a field related to building, room, or environmental acoustics;
• Ability to conduct high quality academic research, reflected in demonstratable outputs.
• A team player who enjoys coaching PhD and Master's students and working in a dynamic, interdisciplinary team.
• A track record of publishing research in peer-reviewed scientific journals;
• Experience with programming and open research software, along with the ambition to make a meaningful contribution in this area;
• A proactive approach to collaborating with industry;
• Proven ability to translate research findings into societal impact;
• A collaborative mindset, including a willingness to engage across different research domains;
• A proven ability to manage complex projects to completion on schedule.
• Excellent (written and verbal) proficiency in English, good communication and leadership 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:

• Full-time employment for a minimum of one year and a maximum of three years. However, the intention is to offer a permanent contract. Based on performance, a transition to a permanent appointment may be considered at an earlier stage.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. € 4.060,- max. € 5.331,-).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• 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 TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and a compensation for moving expenses.
   

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. 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 professor Maarten Hornikx (m.c.j.hornikx@tue.nl).

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@tue.nl.  

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

Application

The application is open until 15 April 2025. We invite you to submit a complete application using the apply-button. 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.
• List of five self-selected ‘best publications’. With a short description for each why you selected them.

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.