Delft University of Technology (DUT), University Twente (UT), Wageningen University & Research (WUR), and Technical University Eindhoven (TU/e) have two positions on Educating the Entrepreneurial Engineer. Both positions (of the TU/e and WUR position is a for sure a Ph.D. position) are part of a program on entrepreneurial engineering education that aims to develop a coherent body of knowledge on entrepreneurial theory, mindset, and behavior, including its operationalization into educational modules. We address entrepreneurship from a behavioral perspective and enlarge the scope of application beyond startups to engineers within existing organizations. The program is financed by the 4TU Federation, Center for Engineering Education, The Netherlands, see the website (https://www.4tu.nl/cee/).

A core part of “Educating the Entrepreneurial Engineer” is a train-the-trainer (TTT) program. TTT is aimed at educating engineering lecturers, professors, and practitioners in entrepreneurship to enrich their engineering education or practice. TU Delft and University Twente together will host the project that focuses on creating, implementing, and evaluating this TTT.

Preceding the creation phase and in collaboration with the other position (PhD position from TU/e and WUR, https://jobs.tue.nl/en/vacancy/phd-position-on-educating-the-entrepreneurial-engineer-898249.html) the candidates are asked to assess which entrepreneurial competencies engineering professionals may need by answering the question: who is the entrepreneurial engineer? What do they do? For instance, by reviewing scientific literature, studying practice-oriented literature (e.g., Entrecomp) and by conducting interviews with entrepreneurial engineers in de field.

The “Creating”-phase entails designing an entrepreneurship TTT program. This starts with benchmarking TTT practices, conceptual modeling, and the iterative design of a TTT system itself. “Implementing” entails series of execution of TTT with some early cohorts of engineering (STEM) educators. “Evaluation” entails developing an evaluation framework (including direct and indirect effects) and suggestions for improving the TTT design.

The candidate will carry out the project either as a doctoral research project or post-doc project. In both cases in close collaboration with the TU/e & WUR Ph.D.-candidate. S/he is supported by the program team consisting of professors from the four technical universities. Although the base of the (Ph.D.) candidate will be in Delft, it is expected that the candidate will spend considerable time in Twente, and to a lesser extent, in Wageningen and Eindhoven. In addition, the Ph.D. candidate will participate in the Graduate School of TU Delft and UTwente.

The candidate (Ph.D. or Post Doc) is expected to present the work of the project at (international) conferences, submit research results for publication in peer-reviewed academic journals, and co-organize and participate in events, discussion groups, seminars, and workshops.

After the first year, the candidate will have to submit to an evaluation process. The review panel of both 4TU.CEE.EEE and external jurors will assess the research work for its quality and scientific rigor. If approved, the elaboration and completion of the project (a Ph.D. thesis or major book publication (e.g. Habilitation) are expected to take approximately three or two more years respectively. In the case of the Ph.D. project, including a successful public defense of the dissertation. If the progress at the first year’s Go/No go moment is unsatisfactory, the appointment is stopped.    

A masters or Ph.D. degree in Design, Engineering, Entrepreneurship /Innovation, or other relevant scientific disciplines, such as Business or Organization science. 
• A strong affinity with technology, industry, and interdisciplinary research.
• The ideal candidate will have experience with development of training programs and education modules.
• A demonstrable interest in combining engineering education with entrepreneurship and technology management seen from the perspective of organizations and industry.
• The ideal candidate has lecturing and supervising experience in the higher education landscape and/or professional landscape, preferably at the intersection of innovation, organizations, business, and technology. 
• Furthermore, the candidate can take a leadership and expert role in transforming educational landscapes in a higher educational context and is willing to make considerable impact for multiple stakeholders. 
• The candidate embraces the principles of engaged scholarship and knows how to organize research activities in pluralistic communities consisting of stakeholders with different backgrounds and interests in all the phases of the research process.
• Experience with Pragmatist,- Action- and/or Design Inclusive Research is a plus but can be acquired during the trajectory. 
• Good command of English, reading, writing, and speaking; good command of Dutch is a plus.    

TU Delft offers PhD-candidates a 4-year contract, with an official go/no go progress assessment after one year. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2434 per month in the first year to € 3111 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.

OR:PostDoc:  € 3548,- gross per month (PhD completed), based on a full-time employment and experiences.   

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

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 and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Industrial Design Engineering

Matching the evolution of people with the speed of the revolution of technology. This is the focus of the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering (IDE). Delft designers act as a bridge between advances in technology and the needs of people, organisations and society to create products, services and systems with purpose.

IDE is a leader in design research across the application areas of mobility, sustainability and health, as well as its development of design tools and methods. A 350-strong research team and over 2,000 students work together in our inspiring hall, labs and studios.

In close cooperation with industry, the public sector and NGOs we rehearse possible futures in research and education to design for a complex future.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering.