PhD on Standardization and Intellectual Property (IP) for Additive Manufacturing in repair and remanufacturing

Introduction

Are you curious about what it takes to bring an emerging technology to success? As a PhD researcher, you will unravel the critical role of technical standards and IP (patents, copyright, etc.) and work with stakeholders and policymakers to let Additive Manufacturing make an industry and societal impact.

Job Description

Additive Manufacturing (also colloquially known as 3D printing) is an important development in repair and remanufacturing, allowing for longer product lifetime and promoting a more sustainable and circular economy. This project investigates and integrates two crucial elements for the breakthrough and impact of Additive Manufacturing: Standardization and Intellectual Property (IP). Aiming for both theoretical and practical contributions, this project employs mixed methods (combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches) and state-of-the-art academic research. Moreover, as the winning candidate, you will be working together with the Dutch standards institute NEN, and you will investigate how standardisation, now and in the future, can be a key mechanism for companies to develop high-performance products that are also safe and that meet the legal requirements. And working together with the Dutch patent office (Octrooicentrum NL), you will navigate the complex but fascinating landscape of patent protection, design rights, and copyrights, and how these hinder or promote the wide-scale introduction of Additive Manufacturing in repair and remanufacturing. A key element here is the tension between IP holders and third-party repairers under the EU’s Right to Repair policy. Eventually, your work will contribute to a better, more circular and sustainable society.

You will be part of the Technology, Innovation and Society (TIS) group of the Department of Industrial Engineering and Innovation Sciences, and your PhD trajectory will be supervised by experienced and well-recognised researchers in the fields of innovation economics, standardisation, and IP (prof. Rudi Bekkers and dr. Emilio Raiteri). This PhD project is also part of a larger, NWO-funded project on Additive Manufacturing in repair and remanufacturing (ADD-ReAM), which includes, in total, 15 PhDs who focus on other aspects such as technical design aspects, logistics, sustainability assessment, consumer behaviour, and more.

Job Requirements

• A master’s degree from a program on innovation studies, sustainability, political science, or policy/law.
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

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 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. € 3,059 max. € 3,881).  
• 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 and application

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Rudi Bekkers, Professor of Standardisation and Intellectual Property, r.n.a.bekkers@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact Rudi Bekkers, Professor of Standardisation and Intellectual Property, r.n.a.bekkers@tue.nl.

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 by 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.