Are you interested in timber structures and locally sourced biobased materials? Do you like developing and testing new structural systems? Join us in the quest for biobased timber hybrids.

Job description
Delft University of Technology is hiring a doctoral candidate on the topic of "Biobased timber hybrids: design and fabrication of hybrid structural systems from timber and locally sourced biobased materials”. You will be part of an international team of researchers that works towards more circular, resource-efficient and locally-sourced timber structures.

As a naturally available and variable material, timber holds a lot of potential for creating a resource-efficient, circular and regenerative construction practice. Its mechanical and physical properties are well suited for a variety of applications, not in the least for building structures. The growing demand for multi-storey buildings necessitates the development of high-performance timber components, with outstanding mechanical, acoustic and fire performance. Hybrid solutions can extend the capabilities of timber by fostering synergies with complementary materials. Today, hybrid solutions with concrete or steel are most common. Yet, biobased materials like hemp, flax or earth offer exciting opportunities.

As a doctoral researcher, you will explore the potential of biobased timber hybrids. Your research project will be driven by design and fabrication experiments. Through a hands-on approach you will map the potential and availability of biobased resources in the Netherlands, develop structural concepts for hybrid components of timber and one or more biobased resource streams, and test and validate the developed concepts through physical experiments and 1:1 fabrication of a hybrid structural element. You will consider structural concepts in the wider context of low-carbon and zero-waste design, always informed by the properties and cultivation of the resources. At the same time, you will dive into the tectonics and technical performance, for example by testing connections and bonding techniques to maximise composite action. During the project, you will collaborate with industrial frontrunners in the biobased and timber construction industry.

You will be part of the the ReStruct Research Group in the Structures & Materials section at the Department of Architectural Engineering + Technology and a member of the research team of dr. Stijn Brancart. You will complete a doctoral research under the supervision of dr. Stijn Brancart, Prof. dr. Mauro Overend and Prof. Alex de Rijke. During the four year appointment, you will develop an independent research project and contribute to the research and teaching activities of your group and department.

In the department of Architectural Engineering + Technology we currently have 6 PhD positions open. Click here to see all 6 vacancies.

Job requirements

• You hold a Masters degree in Building Technology, Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering or a related field;
• Your master thesis was related to structural design, timber structures or biobased materials;
• You have a strong technical background and experience with structural design;
• You enjoy performing research, including experimental work. You are independent, self-motivated and eager to learn. You are keen to develop new fundamental knowledge and engineer novel solutions for addressing real-world societal challenges, particularly in the sustainable use of wood;
• You are able to work in a team, to be pro-active and to collaborate with students, researchers and industry partners;
• Practical experience with working with wood or other biobased materials, experience with physical testing and/or experience with 1:1 making is a plus.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
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!

Faculty Architecture and the Built Environment
The Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment has a leading role in education and research worldwide. The driving force behind the faculty’s success is its robust research profile combined with the energy and creativity of its student body and academic community. It is buzzing with energy from early in the morning until late at night, with four thousand people studying, working, designing, conducting research and acquiring and disseminating knowledge. Our faculty has a strong focus on 'design-oriented research’, which has given it a top position in world rankings.

Staff and students are working to improve the built environment with the help of a broad set of disciplines, including architectural design, urban planning, building technology, social sciences, process management, and geo-information science. The faculty works closely with other faculties, universities, private parties, and the public sector, and has an extensive network in the Netherlands as well as internationally.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment.

Conditions of employment
Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2872 per month in the first year to € 3670 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

Additional information
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Stijn Brancart (s.brancart@tudelft.nl). For more information about the ReStruct Group, visit the website: https://www.restructgroup-tudelft.nl.

For information about the application procedure, please contact Nynke Schik, HR advisor, e-mail: recruitment-BK@tudelft.nl.

The position will remain open until the 2nd of February, 2025. Selected candidates will be invited for a first round of interviews in the second half of February.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 2 February 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• Motivation letter (no more than 600 words) addressing your interests and describing how your experience and plans fit with the position.
• Detailed CV - highlight examples of projects and/or achievements and previous experience that demonstrate skills relevant to the advertised position.
• MSc thesis and, if applicable, one or two notable publications you have authored or projects you have contributed to (please indicate clearly your contribution in case of group work).
• Undergraduate and graduate transcripts.
• Contact information for two references (letters not required at this stage).

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

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.