Postdoc on Balancing (trans-) disciplinary competencies in responsible engineering curricula

Short introduction

Are you passionate about education and addressing societal challenges? We are offering an exciting postdoc position focused on balancing disciplinary and transdisciplinary competencies in engineering curricula. This is a unique opportunity to combine research with impact by shaping future curricula.

Job Description

Grand societal challenges require a shift in the rationale of engineering curricula from focusing on engineering challenges to addressing grand societal challenges. This shift involves moving from solely teaching disciplinary knowledge towards fostering transformative competencies, both disciplinary and transdisciplinary. However, there is a lack of knowledge on co-creating constructively aligned engineering curricula that balance and support the development of transformative competencies within the new rationale. TU/e received a NRO research grant for the future of higher education to study how to co-create content-wise open, yet time-bound engineering curricula that are constructively aligned, and balance and support the development of transformative competencies within the new rationale of addressing societal challenges.

This project will contribute to a change in rationale for engineering curricula from a focus on solving engineering challenges to addressing societal challenges. The project will deliver validated design principles and solutions for practice for co-creating content-wise open, yet time-bound constructively aligned engineering curricula within the new rationale. Since transformation of educational institutes is restricted by current systems and mentalities, we have chosen the time-bound scope to have realistic impact at the end of the project. Our research will deliver foundation for changing one or more engineering curricula within five years. To achieve this, two interlinked sub-projects are devised, conducted by one PhD candidate, and one Post doc.

As a PhD candidate and postdoctoral researcher, you will conduct educational design research, i.e. a development study aimed at designing evidence-based solutions for complex problems in educational practice. This approach allows for systemic analysis of the problem, iterative (re)design and evaluation of practice-oriented solutions, and the advancement of knowledge.

The first sub-project; a PhD track, focusses on the characteristics of transformative competencies to be achieved as learning outcomes, and pathways to identify that set, in co-creation with stakeholders. The second sub-project, a postdoc track, focusses on pedagogies or structures for guiding students in selecting competencies to be achieved as learning outcomes, through learning activities and assessment processes fitting these learning outcomes. Together, both researchers focus on aligning at curriculum level the learning outcomes, learning activities and assessment processes (i.e., Constructive Alignment) when the set of learning outcomes is non-predefined. 

We aim to contribute  a set of validated design principles and solutions for various target groups and thereby delivering the foundation for changing one or more engineering curricula within five years, spark discussion and initiate systemic changes in higher education more broadly.

You will present your research findings at international conferences and publish them in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Given the applied nature of this project, your insights will be implemented within the practical context of TU/e and shared through non-academic channels to reach a broader audience.

As a PhD candidate or Postdoctoral researcher, you will be embedded in TU/e innovation Space and the Sustainability Office at TU/e and actively contribute to the initiatives of both. A teaching component of 0,1 fte is included in the role. Your teaching competencies can be developed by using the rich experience on Challenge-Based Learning at TU/e and within TU/e innovation Space. You can contribute to CBL or sustainability courses, together with the applicants where possible, and as such learn from experienced coaches, teachers and educational designers.

Both positions are part of an NRO project on the Future of Higher Education. The total project lasts 4,5 years, with 4,5 years for the PhD project and 3,6 years (44 months) for the postdoc project. The postdoctoral researcher will also take on project management related tasks for the project.

Job Requirements

We are looking for a motivated and curious candidate who meets the following criteria:

• A PhD Degree, with a background in educational design research, with experience in higher education, preferably on curriculum level.
• A research-oriented mindset and a passion for scientific inquiry.
• Experience with engineering education and education innovation or innovation sciences/management.
• Proven experience as a project manager of a scientific project is a pre
• Solid methodological skills, with demonstrated experience in qualitative research.
• Prior involvement in university-based or student-led sustainability initiatives is a strong advantage.
• Ability to thrive in an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Good collaboration skills, able to work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and international team
• Proficiency in English (C1 level), knowledge of Dutch is a plus.
• Motivation to develop teaching competencies and mentor students.
• A proactive, self-driven attitude with strong organizational and time management skills.

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 44 months.
• 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.
• 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.

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is a leading international university of technology, where people are the heart and soul. With excellent research and education programs, we are an important hub in a world-class high-tech ecosystem. We contribute to progress in the technical sciences, to the development of socio-technical innovations, and as a result, to the sustainability and welfare in the region and beyond. We participate in collaborations with industry and civil society organizations, and we are the academic heart of the top technology region Brainport. Given the pressing societal challenges such as climate change, three objectives are fundamental to our vision for 2030: a sustainable world, the technological revolution, and the impact of technology on society. Taking this major responsibility of contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals implies the need to develop new knowledge, skills, and competencies and to rethink the ways we educate our future engineers. See also: TU/e Strategy 2030 and the TU/e education Vision.

NRO Project

The project is led by Prof.dr.ir.arch. Isabelle Reymen, General Manager of TU/e innovation Space and professor in the Innovation, Technology Entrepreneurship (ITEM) group, part of the Department of Industrial Engineering and Innovation Sciences, and by Prof.dr.ir Anna Wieczorek, Sustainability Ambassador that works in close connection with the Sustainability Office, and member of the Technology, Innovation & Society (TIS) group, also in the same Department of Industrial Engineering and Innovation Sciences. Daily supervision will be performed by Ana Valencia Cardona, working as educational developer in TU/e innovation Space.

TU/e innovation Space is a learning hub that facilitates inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration and learning of students with researchers and external parties for societal value creation and for developing responsible engineers and future change agents with a strong professional identity, and systems thinking capabilities. It enables students to combine learning and creating societal impact, via co-creation with researchers and outside parties in courses, student teams and early stage entrepreneurial projects. It facilitates, year after year, a safe learning environment with an experimentation and quick validation culture and a hands-on approach according to the slogan: “From dream to demo to impact”. Many education innovation projects are performed in TU/e innovation Space. A nice opportunity to get to know TU/e innovation Space is by visiting the Final event of the University of the Future on October 27, more information and registration: : https://www.tue.nl/en/our-university/calendar-and-events/27-10-2025-lets-get-together-to-create-impact

Sustainability Office is a central team dedicated to integrating sustainability in all domains of the University and beyond. We monitor and stimulate the transition to a sustainable University, advise our Executive Board, and connect all necessary stakeholders.​ A part of the Sustainability Office is the TU/e GO Green Office (GGO), a team of students committed to integrating Sustainability into the lives of all TU/e students. ​The Sustainability Office collaborates closely with  prof.dr.ir. Anna J Wieczorek, TU/e Sustainability Ambassador and in partnership with various internal and external departments and organizations. By bringing science and implementation together, the Sustainability Office aims to speed up the execution of new and ongoing sustainability initiatives, based on latest scientific insights and real-life experience. A nice opportunity to get to know Sustainability Office is by vising the sustainability day on November 5th; more information and registration: https://www.tue.nl/en/our-university/about-the-university/sustainability/sustainability-day-tue.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Isabelle Reymen, Professor Design of Innovation Ecosystems and General Manager TU/e innovation Space, i.m.m.j.reymen@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact J.vd Sande, HR Advisor, j.l.v.d.sande@tue.nl or +31 40 2474979.

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:

1. Cover Letter (max 1-page)
   Outline your motivation for applying, your interest in the position, and how your background aligns with the project.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
   Include your academic and professional background, along with the names and contact details of max three referees.
3. Research Proposal (max 1 page)
   Present your approach to the research topic, including initial ideas and potential methodologies.
4. Writing Sample
   Submit a relevant academic work authored by you, such as published article, or your master or Ph.D. thesis.
5. Proof of English Proficiency
   Provide recent results from an English language test, or other evidence demonstrating your English language skills.

Important dates

• Application deadline: 15 November 2025
  Early applications are strongly encouraged, as the position may be filled in before the deadline if a suitable candidate is identified.
• Intended starting date: March - May 2026
• Interviews: December 2nd and 3rd morning till 13.30h (first round) and December 10 morning till 13.30h (second round) 2025

Please, note that only complete applications submitted through the online system will be considered.  Applications sent by e-mail will not be accepted.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the positions are filled.