Postdoc on transformative methodologies to accelerate sustainability transitions

Are you keen to contribute to accelerating sustainability transitions through all sorts of innovation and learning? Enjoying transdisciplinary action research? 

The post doc position is a key research and coordination position in the NWO EXTRA-project. The project 'From EXperiment to sustainable change: TRAnsformative methodologies for Innovation and learning'  (EXTRA) seeks to overcome a persistent "pilot paradox". In this paradox, much experimentation takes place but long-term systemic impact remains difficult. Researchers together with all sorts of change makers will synthesise existing knowledge on how to mainstream, upscale, spread, broaden and deepen developed innovations. You will be employed at the Multi Actor Systems Department and will collaborate closely with senior researchers from the university of applied sciences in Rotterdam and Amsterdam, as well as with governmental actors, housing corporations, industry, NGO's and citizens collaborating in field labs, living labs and festival test labs.

• PHD obtained in one of these fields: public administration, political science, science and technology studies, industrial ecology, complex systems design, business administration.
• Experience with transdisciplinary research.
• Experience with knowledge integration processes.
• Experience with developing learning environments.
• Innovative thinker with a problem-solving mindset.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Reliable, independent, and organized, with a commitment to meeting deadlines.
• Language Proficiency: Fluency in English and Dutch (written and spoken).

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

The Faculty of TPM provides an important contribution to solving complex technical-social issues, such as energy transition, mobility, digitalisation, water management and (cyber) security. TPM does this with its excellent education and research at the intersection of technology, society and policy. We combine insights from both engineering and social sciences as well as the humanities. TPM develops robust models and designs, is internationally oriented and has an extensive network of knowledge institutions, companies, social organisations and governments.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management.

• Duration of contract is 5 years.
• A job of 34-36 hours per week.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Coming to Delft Service.Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 1 March 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• Detailed CV, including publications.
• Motivational letter that briefly describes why you apply for this position and your research interests.
• Names and email addresses of at least 2 references, and why they are competent to assess you.
• Job interviews are planned on March 7th 2025.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.