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Post-doc researcher mission-oriented innovation for sustainable datacenters

We are looking for a post-doctoral researcher for the Modular and Integrated Sustainable Datacenter (MISD) project, funded by the EU.

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Key takeaways

  • Hours
    38 - 40 hr.
  • Salary indication
    Salary gross/monthly
    based on full-time
    € 4,020 - € 5,278
  • Deadline
    15 Dec 2024

We are looking for a post-doctoral researcher for the Modular and Integrated Sustainable Datacenter (MISD) project, funded by the EU. This unique dual-role position blends in-depth research into path-breaking, mission-driven innovation (60%) with an action-oriented role (40%) to support partners in the consortium with the aim to develop viable, sustainable and socio-politically desirable innovation pathways and value propositions. This is a perfect position for candidates seeking to combine scientific rigour and directly contribute to a topic of great societal relevance.

As the need for more sustainable computing and communication infrastructures becomes more urgent and evident, in this project seven Dutch partners (the University of Twente and six private partners) collaborate, innovate, and conduct research to develop a sustainable and secure Edge data center. In order to mitigate the increasing climate impact of digitalization, enable energy flexibility and decrease global dependencies, the MISD project aims to develop a new modular, decentralized, sustainable, and secure-by-design concept to be deployed in places close to end users (edge computing). This should result in a significant reduction in total energy consumption, from cooling to computing power and data flows. The MISD consortium’s mission is to design, develop, and validate innovative solutions (hardware and software) in a fieldlab, toward this target.

The focus of this post-doc position will be on the conceptual, empirical, and anticipatory exploration and development of viable socio-technical innovation pathways for the innovations developed in the fieldlab, in collaboration with the project partners and stakeholders. The fieldlab provides an environment for piloting the socio-technical viability of the innovations developed within MISD. You will closely collaborate with a PhD-student who focuses on supporting the internal alignment between the partners within the innovation ecosystem. In addition, you will belong to the larger team of MISD researchers, consisting of 8 PhD students, four other post-docs, and their supervisors who are largely working on technological innovations.

As a Post-doc researcher in this project, you will

Your profile

You have a PhD (completed or near completion) in a relevant field, such as Transition Studies, Innovation Studies, Science and Technology Studies, Strategic Innovation Management, Strategic Niche Management, Organization Studies, Policy Studies, Communication Science, or a related field. In addition, you:

  • Have expertise or demonstrable interest in mission-oriented innovation, new forms of organizing, work across boundaries and differences, and interorganizational & multidisciplinary collaboration;
  • Have an interest in the challenges related to sustainability transitions, with a focus on organizational rather than technical matters;
  • Are experienced in qualitative research methods, including semi-structured interviews or observations;
  • Have excellent writing skills, as demonstrated in scientific publications;
  • Have good social and communication skills in academic as well as non-academic contexts;
  • Are fluent in English and preferable able to understand and communicate in Dutch (for non-native speakers, please indicate your current Dutch level);
  • Have excellent organization and project management skills and, ideally, experience in co-creation methods and/or supporting ecosystem development;
  • Are willing and have proven ability to work independently, but are also an excellent team-player and are excited about working with scientists and practitioners from different backgrounds.

Our offer

  • We offer you a position for 3 years (0,8 - 1.0 FTE) with a two-month probationary period;
  • The envisioned starting date is February 1, 2025;
  • Salary between € 4.020 and € 5.278 gross per month (in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities) bases on the job profile of Lecturer;
  • 8,3% end-of-year bonus and 8% holiday allowance;
  • Minimum of 29 holidays in case of full-time employment;
  • An attractive pensions scheme;
  • A family friendly institution;
  • Free use of sports facilities;
  • The terms of employment are in accordance with the Dutch Collective Labor Agreement for Universities (CAO).

Information and application

Additional information regarding the position can be obtained from Prof. dr. Maaike Endedijk (m.d.endedijk@utwente.nl; 06-39270228). You are also invited to visit our https://www.utwente.nl/en/bms/plt/ and LinkedIn page https://www.linkedin.com/company/plt-research-group/.

Please submit your application by December 15th by filling in the form, including a motivation letter and current CV (choose ‘apply now’). Screening is part of the application process.

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About the department

Researchers in our department study formal and informal learning of (future) employees, including the use of technology to measure and support professional learning. More broadly, we also study professional learning in relation to the collaboration and innovation processes of professionals, particularly so in multidisciplinary settings and new forms of organizing (such as learning communities or living labs). Our studies often take place in the high-tech, health, and educational sectors with the intention to understand, evaluate, and optimize (inter)professional and (inter)organizational learning, collaboration, and innovation in these various contexts. Increasingly, the settings we study revolve around grand challenges and wicked problems, such as the transitions to green energy and circularity or matters of digital transformation. To contribute to these challenges, we also design and evaluate (technology-based) interventions to optimize professional learning, innovation, and collaboration. In our research group, we combine expertise from a range of disciplines (e.g., educational sciences, psychology, business administration, organization studies, communication science).

About the organisation

The Faculty of Behavioral, Management and Social sciences (BMS) aims to play a key role in understanding, jointly developing and evaluating innovations in society. Technological developments are the engine of innovation. As a technical university that puts people first, we tailor them to human needs and behavior. We also ensure adequate governance at public and private level, and robust, inclusive and fair organizational structures. We do this by developing, sharing and applying high-quality knowledge in Psychology, Business Administration, Public Administration, Communication Sciences, Philosophy, Educational Sciences and Health Sciences. Our research and education in these disciplines revolves around tackling and solving societal challenges. The research programs of BMS are closely linked to the research of the UT institutes Mesa+ Institute for Nanotechnology, TechMed Center and Digital Society Institute.

As an employer, the Faculty of BMS offers work that matters. We equip you to create new possibilities for yourself and for our society. With us, you will become part of a leading technical university with increasing, positive social impact. We offer an open, inclusive and entrepreneurial atmosphere, in which we encourage you to make healthy choices, for example through our flexible, adaptable benefits.

Want to know more?

Endedijk, M.D. (Maaike)

Endedijk, M.D. (Maaike)
Full Professor

Endedijk, M.D. (Maaike)
Full Professor

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Maaike for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.

How to apply

Step 1

Apply.
When you see a vacancy that appeals to you, you can apply online. We ask you to upload a CV and motivation letter and/or list of publications. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail.

Apply now

Step 2

Selection.
The selection committee will review your application and you will receive a response within 2 weeks after the vacancy has been closed.

Step 3

1st interview.
The 1st (online or in person) meeting serves as an introduction where we introduce ourselves to you and you to us. You may be asked to give a short presentation. This will be further explained in the invitation.

Step 4

2nd interview.
In the second interview, we will further discuss the job content, your skills and your talents.

Step 5

The offer.
If the conversations are positive, you will be made a suitable offer. If applicable, we will sign you up for screening.

Your Colleagues

About the BMS faculty

Curious about what The Faculty of Behavioral, Management and Social sciences (BMS) stands for? Check out the BMS website for more information.

A job that matters

Create new opportunities for yourself, your colleagues and our society. Scientist or teacher, administrator or facilitator, thinker or doer, energetic leader or silent support – your work at the University of Twente matters. And you too!

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