PhD on Technical universities as change agents for sustainability transitions

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.

The Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences (IE&IS) department combines disciplinary knowledge from the humanities, social sciences and technical sciences to solve the complex problems of industries and society. We collaboratively focus on and create responsible and effective innovations for the research themes: Humans and Technology, Supply Chain Management, Sustainability and Circularity, and Value of Data-Driven Intelligence.

Introduction

Do you have social sciences background? Are you passionate about sustainability and eager to make meaningful impact in higher education? Join us in shaping the future of universities as catalysts for sustainable change.

We are offering an exciting PhD position focused on exploring the transformative role of technical universities, particularly TU/e, in driving sustainability transitions. This is a unique opportunity to combine academic research with real-world impact in a dynamic university setting.

Job Description

As a PhD candidate, you will conduct action-oriented research aligned with the sustainability initiatives of TU/e and the activities of the university sustainability ambassador, prof. dr. Anna Wieczorek. Your work will contribute to understanding and enhancing the university’s role in face of sustainability challenges. Key research areas include:

• Investigating innovative roles technical universities can play in sustainability transitions.
• Exploring strategies to engage and mobilize university staff and students in addressing sustainability challenges.
• Developing participatory methods to assess and integrate sustainability across TU/e research, education, and governance activities.

You will present your research findings at international conferences and publish them in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Given the applied nature of this project, your insights will be implemented within the practical context of TU/e and shared through non-academic channels to reach a broader audience.

As a PhD candidate, you will be embedded in the Technology, Innovation and Society (TIS) group and actively contribute to the initiatives of the Sustainability Office. You will also support the university ambassador with various coordination tasks. A modest teaching component is included in the role, offering you the chance to further develop your academic skills.

Job Requirements

We are looking for a motivated and curious candidate who meets the following criteria:

• A master’s degree in Sustainable Innovation, Sustainability Transitions, or a closely related field.
• A strong research-oriented mindset and a passion for scientific inquiry.
• Enthusiasm for participatory, action-oriented research approaches.
• Solid methodological skills, with demonstrated experience in mixed methods research designs.
• Prior involvement in university-based or student-led sustainability initiatives is a strong advantage.
• Ability to thrive in an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in English (C1 level), knowledge of Dutch is a plus.
• Motivation to develop teaching competencies and mentor students.
• A proactive, self-driven attitude with strong organizational and time management skills.

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: 

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment. 
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 2,901 max. € 3,707).  
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%. 
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process. 
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.  
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates. 

Information

The Technology, Innovation & Society (TIS) group, where the PhD position is embedded, is part of the School of Innovation Sciences, one of the two schools of the Department of Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences (IE&IS). Research at TIS concerns how humans and societies bring about technological change, and how technological innovations change society. Researchers in the TIS group study these processes in a systemic, transdisciplinary, and transnational perspective. The research focus of TIS covers both short-term processes (innovations) and long-term, fundamental processes (transitions), and addresses multiple aspects of the innovation journey – invention, innovation, diffusion, appropriation, governance, policy intervention along with local and global impacts on society. Many of the TIS research projects are strongly embedded in practical environments and involve co-creation and an action research approach.

Sustainability Office is a central team dedicated to integrating sustainability in all domains of the University and beyond. We monitor and stimulate the transition to a sustainable University, advise our Executive Board, and connect all necessary stakeholders.​ A part of the Sustainability Office is the TU/e GO Green Office (GGO), a team of students committed to integrating Sustainability into the lives of all TU/e students. ​The Sustainability Office collaborates closely with our Sustainability Ambassador, Anna J. Wieczorek and in partnership with various internal and external departments and organizations. By bringing science and implementation together, the Sustainability Office aims to speed up the execution of new and ongoing sustainability initiatives, based on latest scientific insights and real-life experience.

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager prof. dr. Anna Wieczorek ([email protected]).

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR Services ([email protected]).

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

Application

We invite enthusiastic candidates to submit a complete application via the apply button. Your application should include the following documents:

1. Cover Letter (max 1-page)
   Outline your motivation for applying, your interest in the position, and how your background aligns with the project.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
   Include your academic and professional background, along with the names and contact details of three referees.
3. Research Proposal (max 1500-words)
   Present your approach to the research topic, including initial ideas and potential methodologies.
4. Writing Sample
   Submit a relevant academic work authored by you, such as published article, or your master thesis.
5. Proof of English Proficiency
   Provide recent results from an English language test, or other evidence demonstrating your English language skills.

Important dates

• Application deadline: 31 July 2025
  Early applications are strongly encouraged, as the position may be filled in before the deadline if a suitable candidate is identified.
• Intended starting date: October 2025
• Interviews: Last week of September 2025

Please, note that only complete applications submitted through the online system will be considered.  Applications sent by e-mail will not be accepted.

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.