Job description
The CLEAR initiative (Chemistry Learning for Environmental Action and Responsibility) is an innovative programme within the Chemical Science & Engineering curriculum at the University of Twente. It aims to equip students with the skills and mindset needed to tackle complex global challenges such as climate change, pollution, and greenwashing. By embedding systems thinking into the curriculum, CLEAR enables students to approach sustainability challenges from a holistic perspective, integrating environmental, social, and economic factors into their solutions. For more information, click here.
Within this CLEAR PhD project, you will explore how sustainability, systems thinking, and essential skills are currently embedded in an engineering curriculum, and how these elements can be more effectively aligned. You will work closely with lecturers, students and researchers to analyse existing educational practices and identify opportunities for improvement.
You will investigate how educational interventions can help students develop the ability to address complex real-world challenges. This includes exploring how learning activities, assessment methods, and course design can reinforce each other and contribute to meaningful learning experiences. Part of your work will involve designing and testing new educational interventions in collaboration with teaching staff.
You will work in a multidisciplinary team environment, and collaborate with experts and researchers in chemistry, engineering and educational science, alongside teachers, students, and the educational management team.
Your profile
- A bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering is mandatory. Relevant academic or educational background in this area is a plus.
- You have, or will shortly acquire, a Master’s degree in engineering, education, or a related field at a research university.
- Candidates should demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability and sustainable development.
- You have some experience with educational analysis and/or knowledge on programming, including the development of artificial-intelligence-driven educational tools.
- You have excellent analytical and critical-thinking skills.
- You have good communication and collaboration skills, and you enjoy working in an interdisciplinary environment.
- You are proactive and able to work independently.
- You are proficient in English.
Our offer
- A full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year, and the flexibility to work (partially) from home.
- Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).
- You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from €3.059,- (first year) to €3.881,- (fourth year).
- There are excellent benefits, including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
- A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. Full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
- Free access to sports facilities on campus.
- A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid).
- You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision.
Information and application
Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before 5 June, and include:
- A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4), outlining your motivation and qualifications for this position.
- A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of courses attended and grades obtained.
- Applicants with a non-Dutch qualification and who have not had secondary and tertiary education in English: an IELTS-test, or Internet TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT). The candidate can only be admitted with an IELTS-test showing a total band score of at least 7.0, internet, or TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT) showing a score of at least 100.
- Two recommendation letters (one from a bachelor’s and one from a master’s supervisor).
- In addition, we ask you to submit a one-page (A4) personal reflection addressing the following questions:
How should engineering education evolve to better prepare students to address complex sustainability challenges?
How can systems thinking be effectively integrated into an engineering education curriculum?
In your response, you are encouraged to reflect critically, structure your argument clearly, and draw on examples or prior experience. The reference list will not count towards the page limit.
The purpose of this exercise is to gain insight into your analytical thinking, ability to connect ideas, and motivation for this topic. Applicants with demonstrated experience will be prioritized. Applicants who do not address the proposed questions in detail will not be considered.
About the department
You will be part of the Chemical Science & Engineering (CSE) programme at the University of Twente, where education and research are closely integrated. The CSE programme offers a collaborative, international working environment with strong connections among teaching staff, researchers, and students. Innovation in education is a key priority, and you will work alongside colleagues who are actively engaged in developing new approaches to learning and teaching.
About the organisation
The Faculty of Science & Technology (Technische Natuurwetenschappen, TNW) engages some 700 staff members and 2000 students in education and research on the cutting edge of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Our fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally and is strengthened by the many young researchers working on innovative projects with as doctoral candidates and post-docs. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.
