Interested in biobased materials and sustainable renovation? This PhD investigates nature-inclusive renovation design for climate resilience and healthier learning environments.
Job description
The Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment in Delft University of technology is looking for a PhD researcher to work on a NWO-KIC Nature-based Solutions research project entitled "School Greenovation", supervised by Associate Professor Thaleia Konstantinou and Assistant Professor Olga Ioannou.
The project aims to strengthen climate resilience in schools, reduce CO₂ emissions and lower long-term operational costs while ensuring healthier learning environments. It adopts a whole-systems approach, where renovation decisions for school buildings are informed by the dynamic relationships between materials, biodiversity, and child development. The research prioritizes long-term resilience over short-term efficiency. It considers school buildings as agents of dynamic local ecosystems that a. integrate flora, fauna, and microbiomes, b. support biodiversity and ecological balance, and c. foster meaningful interactions between children and nature that enhance their connection to the environment and promote environmental stewardship.
The aim of this PhD research is to provide detailed technical and ecological insights to support designers, school boards and associations, construction companies and policymakers to select and implement nature-inclusive, climate-resilient refurbishment strategies in schools. On the one hand, it focuses on increasing the use of circular and biobased materials based on availability, functionality, cost, ecological value, and educational affordances. On the other hand, it opts to develop the necessary knowledge about how these materials can be integrated in renovations of schools, and which functionalities they can support in building, ecology and education.
Key research activities include:
- mapping state-of-the-art nature-inclusive, climate-resilient approaches and surveying the current state of the demonstrators to assess energy systems/efficiency, vulnerabilities/construction quality, and the physical characteristics (materiality, design, building envelope performance).
- developing regenerative, nature-inclusive refurbishment strategies for school buildings together with local key stakeholders.
- translating strategies to clear guidelines for renovations of sustainable school buildings inspired by nature and tailoring the guidelines for each demonstrator.
- crafting scaled models and 1:1 scaled prototypes (one per demonstrator).
- contributing to the writing of high-quality, high-impact publications and present findings at international conferences.
You will be part of a transdisciplinary consortium that consists of 15+ members. You will be involved in real-life experimentation in three school buildings in the NL.
This PhD position is for four years and will lead to a doctoral degree from TU Delft. The candidate will publish scientific articles, participate in international workshops and consortium meetings, and contribute modestly to teaching activities within the faculty.
Job requirements
For this full-time, four-year funded PhD position, we are looking for a highly motivated candidate with:
- An MSc in the field of Building Sciences, such as Architecture, Building Technology, Architectural Engineering or closely related field.
- Knowledge of biobased design, energy efficiency, and design and construction methods demonstarted through your MSc thesis, publications or other relevant research.
- A strong interest in circularity and regenerative sustainability, and participatory design processes.
- Strong skills in critical thinking and design-based research as well as an academic attitude in performing research.
- Excellent oral, visual communication and academic writing skills in English. You meet the English language requirements for admission to the TU Delft graduate school.
- Knowledge of Dutch and/or relevant professional experience in the Netherlands is considered an advantage, but is not required.
- The ability to work independently, and as part of a team, and to build collaborative, interdisciplinary/ transdisciplinary networks.
TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.
For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.
These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.
At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional.
Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.
Challenge. Change. Impact!
Faculty Architecture & the Built Environment
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, with four thousand people enthusiastically 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.
Conditions of employment
Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.
Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.
The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.
Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.
Additional information
For more information about this vacancy, please contact dr. ir. Olga Ioannou, e-mail: o.ioannou@tudelft.nl.
For more information about the application procedure, please contact Paulien Stastra, HR Advisor,
e-mail: recruitment-bk@tudelft.nl.
Application procedure
Please apply no later than September 27, 2026 (local Dutch time + 2 hrs) via the application button and upload the following documents:
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A detailed CV.
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A short motivation letter describing how you fit in the advertised position (max 1 A4).
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A research statement outlining your research interests, relevant experience, and how you would approach research on nature-inclusive renovations (max 1 A4).
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Your graduate transcripts.
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An abstract of your MSc thesis, and an overview of your thesis research compiled into a single pdf file (max 10 pages in total) named TUD_YourLastname.pdf.
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Proof of English language proficiency.
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The names and contact details of two references.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Expected starting date is January 2027.
Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.
Please note:
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You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
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