Assistant professor innovative design strategies for new types of sustainable, high quality public buildings

Updated: 12 months ago
Deadline: 02 Apr 2023

Want to join the Group of Public Building to investigate what is needed to create with the help of research by design the next generation of public buildings and public environments?

The Group of Public Building (PB) is inviting applications for 1 assistant professor position in the Department of Architecture. By using the ‘research by design’ methodology PB wants to investigate and promote the design of sustainable, future proof public buildings and public environments. This position is funded by the 'Sectorplan Ontwerpende Ingenieurs Wetenschappen (IOW)', and explores innovative design strategies for new types of sustainable, high quality public buildings within sustainable and smart urbanisation strategies.

You will investigate the role and position in past, present and future of public buildings and their relationships with socio-economic developments, sustainable construction principles, climate change and healthy living environments. Together with the team of Public Building, you will develop research by design methodologies, promote also the usage of data-driven design tools and study the role of adaptation, regeneration, resiliency and hybridization (at Public Building we use the term 'Multiplicity in Design' for this) to be able to formulate how new public building types can be developed that enhance healthy living conditions and therefore the quality of life in general. This will be done in part-time together with students.

You will contribute to the research and educational agenda's of the Public Building Group, help to develop, partly data-driven, new design methodologies and implement pedagogic models based on research by design strategies that further enhance the focus on the role sustainable, high quality public buildings within sustainable and smart urbanization strategies. In this position you will divide your time between teaching and research. You will also apply knowledge based on practical experiences previously acquired in professional design practice.

To apply for this assistant professor, you must have:

  • A recent PhD degree in Architecture.
  • Previous teaching experience in a transdisciplinary setting.
  • A clear research agenda, which can be demonstrated through academic publications or significant professional work.
  • Familiarity with spatial data analysis, the use of geographic information systems (e.g. ArcGIS) and 3D modelling (e.g. BIM); and/or familiarity with research by design and data-driven design processes, as well as with software programs like Rhino, Revit, Grasshopper.
  • Excellent Master study results.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with others (students, faculty, and staff) to create a supportive learning environment.

It is nice if you have:

  • At least 2-3 years of working experience in a design office for architecture.

A tenure-track position is offered for six years. In the fifth year we’ll decide if you will be offered a permanent faculty position, based on performance indicators agreed upon at the start of the appointment. We expect that you have the potential to grow towards an Associate Professor and/or Full Professor role in the future.

Inspiring, excellent education is our central aim. We expect you to obtain a University Teaching Qualification (UTQ) within three years if you have less than five years of teaching experience. This is provided by the TU Delft UTQ programme.
TU Delft sets high standards for the English competency of the teaching staff. The TU Delft offers training to improve English competency. If you do not speak Dutch, we offer courses to learn the Dutch language within three years.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount 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. An International Children's Centre offers childcare and there is an international primary school.

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 as one of our core values  and we actively engage  to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

The Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment has a leading role in education and research worldwide. The driving force behind the faculty’s success is its robust research profile combined with the energy and creativity of its student body and academic community. It is buzzing with energy from early in the morning until late at night, with four thousand people studying, working, designing, conducting research and acquiring and disseminating knowledge. Our faculty has a strong focus on 'design-oriented research’, which has given it a top position in world rankings.

Staff and students are working to improve the built environment with the help of a broad set of disciplines, including architectural design, urban planning, building technology, social sciences, process management, and geo-information science. The faculty works closely with other faculties, universities, private parties, and the public sector, and has an extensive network in the Netherlands as well as internationally.

Click here  to go to the website of the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof.ir. Nathalie de Vries,
e-mail: [email protected] .      

For more information about the selection procedure, please contact C. (Caro) Coemans,
e-mail: [email protected] .

The position will remain open until April 2, 2023 (local Dutch time + 2 hrs). You must apply via the "Apply now" button. Applications via e-mail will not be processed.    

If you want to apply for this position, please submit a motivation letter, a detailed CV, contact details of three references, 1 research and 2 education (MSc level) proposals that include a summary of your area of interest, current goals, and future plans (max. 2-page A4). Proposals should take into consideration some of the following objectives outlined by the OIW Sectorplan:

  • Spatial scenarios for urbanisation allowing for multi-functional use of spaces and buildings.
  • Digitalization of design and construction of buildings.
  • Use of Open Data in the design and management of buildings.
  • Adaptation of the quality of the living environment to future use through creative (re)design).
  • Design of environments and spaces that stimulate active movement (walking, cycling).
  • Please note:

    • You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
    • A pre-Employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
    • Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.


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