Postdoc In Digital Fabrication with Concrete (1.0 FTE, 1 year)

Introduction

Are you passionate about using digital design and fabrication technologies to increase construction productivity and reduce the environmental footprint of concrete in our built environment? We are looking for a post-doctoral researcher with expertise in digital fabrication with concrete (3D printing, robotic processes) and structural engineering.

Job Description

In this postdoctoral position, you will contribute to the ongoing development on digitalization of concrete structures at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). Over the course of 1+ year (14 months), your work will focus on development of digital structural design tools (e.g., parametric modelling, optimization strategies) for digital fabrication with concrete (3D concrete printing and beyond). The aim is to reduce the environmental footprint of concrete through an optimization of structural applications, while taking into account the specific manufacturing constraints and material behaviour of digital fabrication methods.

The position is embedded in the 3D concrete printing research group of the Department of the Built Environment, and through this the candidate will have access to a unique experimental facility (robotic and 3D concrete printing lab; custom developed experimental procedures; sensor technologies; large scale structural testing) and a lively group of PhD students and staff working on related project. You will bridge computational modelling and numerical analysis, material experimentation, and fabrication process development, supporting the group’s ambition to advance digitalization in concrete.  

In addition to research, which comprises approximately 80% of the position, you will contribute to innovation of the educational program at TU/e, for about 20% of the time. Specifically, you will support an ongoing education innovation project in the context of the EuroTeQ universities alliance, with the aim to develop an existing BSc course at TU/e on ‘digital structures’ into a hybrid/online course. You will also supervise master’s graduation projects in digital fabrication and structural design, thereby strengthening research and education in this field.

Job Requirements

• Motivated researcher, with a PhD in structural engineering and design, civil engineering, 3D printing, computational design, or a comparable domain.
• Experience in structural design of concrete structures, and corresponding development and application of design tools, numerical analysis methods, and/or structural testing.
• Ability to conduct high quality academic research, reflected in demonstratable outputs.
• A team player who enjoys coaching PhD and Master's students and working in a dynamic, interdisciplinary team.
• A proven ability to manage complex projects to completion on schedule.
• Excellent (written and verbal) proficiency in English, good communication and leadership 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 1+ year (14 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.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• 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

We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

Sustainability, in its broadest definition, is the cornerstone of research and education in the Department of Built Environment. We take the lead in (re)shaping the built environment to be future-proof, safe, healthy, inclusive and respectful of planetary boundaries. We house the entire spectrum of technology, engineering, design, and human behavior disciplines in the built environment, with world-class experimental facilities at all scales. This allows us to address societal challenges from a uniquely integrated perspective.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Rob Wolfs, assistant professor, r.j.m.wolfs@tue.nl or +31 40 247 8209.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR services, hrservices.be@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 using the apply-button. The application should include a:

• A short cover letter (max 1 page) in which you describe your motivation for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your academic publications.
• A selection of research output (max 5 items) which describe your experience best (e.g., papers, software, project descriptions).

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. Please note that incomplete applications may not be considered and could be rejected.

We give priority to complete applications.

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

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.