Part-Time Researcher Integrated Design for Modular Construction Systems

Short introduction

Do you have hands-on experience in modular construction, building systems, and real-world project delivery? We're seeking an experienced professional to help bridge the gap between design, legislation, and industrialized construction within the Builtwise project.

Job Description

In the BUILTWISE – Automated Construction for Affordable Housing Development project, we are developing a digitally driven, factory-based approach to modular housing. To ensure our innovation aligns with the realities of the built environment, we are looking for a part-time professional with direct experience in designing and delivering buildings—from concept to construction. You will play a key role in translating modular design logic into real-world building applications, integrating structural, mechanical, and legislative perspectives. Your contribution will help ensure that our parametric systems and design workflows remain grounded in construction logic, code compliance, and system coordination across HVAC, water, electrical, and safety domains. This position is ideal for someone who wants to work in an academic–industry hybrid environment, guiding digital innovation with practical experience. BUILTWISE is an ongoing project with an established team and user committee. You will join this group to help strengthen our efforts and deliver a practical industry demonstrator.

At Eindhoven University of Technology, you'll be part of our innovative 3DCP group, driving change in the Built Environment. Collaborate with our team to overcome challenges to produce affordable buildings using automated construction. Your work will address critical issues in the construction industry and contribute to developing cost-effective housing, positively impacting society and promoting sustainability.

In this role, you will:

1. Bridge Design and Realization: Act as the link between digital design development and real-world building delivery. Ensure that modular layouts and building concepts align with construction logic, assembly methods, and buildability.
2. Integrate Building Systems: Advise on spatial, technical, and legal integration of HVAC, ventilation, water, electricity, and fire safety within modular units. Provide input to design teams to ensure regulatory and technical feasibility.
3. Regulatory and Construction Expertise: Help translate Dutch and EU building codes (Bouwbesluit, BENG, etc.) into clear parametric design rules. Identify critical construction-related considerations (e.g., stacking, access, service routing) and contribute to prototyping efforts and system validation.

Job Requirements

• Professional or academic background in architecture, building engineering, or construction.
• Experience in modular or prefabricated construction from design to execution.
• Familiarity with Dutch building regulations, housing requirements, and infrastructure coordination (HVAC, water, electricity, etc.).
• Ability to communicate between architects, engineers, software developers, and industrial partners.
• Team player in dynamic, interdisciplinary environments, reflective of the user-committee of the project who represent a typical construction project team. Skilled in managing complex projects, leading their own research and ensuring their completion within scheduled timelines.
• Command of English, both in writing and speaking (C1).
• A forward-thinking approach, dedicated to enhancing construction methods and promoting sustainability in the building industry.

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:

• A 0.4 - 0.6 FTE appointment for 1 year, or an equivalent part-time arrangement (e.g. 0.2 FTE for 2 years). The anticipated start date is around January 2026, but this is open to discussion.
• 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.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Prof. Theo Salet (t.a.m.salet@tue.nl).

For additional questions, you may also reach out to Lauri Hass (l.hass@tue.nl) or Karsten Nefs (k.nefs@tue.nl).

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact 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:

• 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.
• List of five self-selected ‘best publications’.

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.