Introduction
Do you want to be challenged? Do you want to explore how your discipline can contribute to healthier living environments? Are you the postdoctoral researcher interested in cross-sectional research and bridging different disciplines in your research? We are looking for a post-doctoral researcher with expertise in building facade interactions with humans, focussing on heat stress and daylight penetration.
Job Description
In this postdoctoral position, you will play a central role in the CoolSmart project: Passive cooling through the application of photochromic films in public housing. This project aims to reduce heat stress while maintaining sufficient natural light. The project objectives are aligned with the Multi-Year Mission-Driven Innovation Programs (MMIPs) of TKI Bouw en Techniek: Climate-resilient, nature-inclusive, and context-aware building, Renovation of built environment, and Circular construction and infrastructure.
Over the course of 2 years (24 months), your work will include:
- Developing a practical tool for social housing corporations to identify risks related to heat stress and/or lack of daylight availability
- Conducting a baseline study to assess current heat stress problems and thermal and visual comfort issues.
- Designing and executing a large data collection campaign (pre-experience and experience study) to investigate the impact of photochromic films in senior living apartments, in close collaboration with social housing corporation Trudo
- Performing computer simulations (e.g., using EnergyPlus and Radiance) to evaluate the potential impact of the photochromic films across various contexts and seasons.
Project partner ClimAd Technology will further develop and test the innovative photochromic film applied in this project.
The position is embedded in the Building Lighting research group of the Department of the Built Environment, with close collaboration with the Building Performance research group. This provides access to excellent facilities (such as the Building Physics and Services lab), other researchers ((PhD)students) as well as to housing corporations in Eindhoven region. The position bridges qualitative research (users’ experiences and perception) with quantitative research (large-scale data collection, computer simulations, and numerical analyses). Through your work, you will be contributing to the consortium’s ambition to develop effective solutions to mitigate heat stress in buildings.
In addition to research (approximately 80% of the position), you will contribute to the (innovation of the) educational program at TU/e (about 20% of the time). Educational tasks include supervising (master graduation) students and possibly contributing to courses and lectures related to your expertise. This role offers an opportunity to integrate research and education in this field.
Job Requirements
- A motivated researcher with a PhD in building lighting, daylighting or building performance
- Ability to conduct high quality academic research, reflected in demonstratable outputs.
- A strong interest in interdisciplinary and impactful research
- Experience with the development and application of design tools, field and lab studies, numerical analysis, and simulations methods
- A team player who enjoys coaching PhD and Master's students and working in a dynamic, interdisciplinary team.
- Strong project management skills, good communication skills, and leadership skills.
- Excellent (written and spoken) proficiency in English. Proficiency in Dutch is nice to have.
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 2 years.
- Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. € 4,241 max. € 5,538).
- 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.
- Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
- 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.
On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!
About us
We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.
Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.
Sustainability, in its broadest definition, is the cornerstone of research and education in the Department of Built Environment. We take the lead in (re)shaping the built environment to be future-proof, safe, healthy, inclusive and respectful of planetary boundaries. We house the entire spectrum of technology, engineering, design, and human behavior disciplines in the built environment, with world-class experimental facilities at all scales. This allows us to address societal challenges from a uniquely integrated perspective.
Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Juliëtte van Duijnhoven, assistant professor in the Building Lighting group, [email protected], +31 40 247 4274.
Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact [email protected].
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:
- 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. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.
- List of up to five self-selected ‘best publications’.
- Copy (or a most recent draft version) of your PhD thesis.
- Copies of relevant MSc and PhD diplomas and grade transcripts.
- The result of an English proficiency test such as IELTS or TOEFL.
Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. Please note that incomplete applications may not be considered and could be rejected.
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.
Please note
- You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
- A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
- Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.
Type of employment: Temporary position
Contract type: Full time
Salary: Scale 10
Number of positions: 1
Full-time equivalent: 1.0 FTE
City: Eindhoven
County: Noord-Brabant
Country: Netherlands
Reference number: 2026/355
Published: 2026-06-22
Last application date: 2026-07-22
