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PhD position on bridging the gap between Paper based Systems Engineering and Model Based Systems Engineering

Are you passionate about making development of complex equipment easier? We offer a challenging PhD position in the Systems Engineering and Multidisciplinary Design group (SEMD) of the department of Design, Production and Management.

Apply now
  • Hi! Are you my
    new colleague?
    Tjerkje Dijkstra
  • Hi! Are you my
    new colleague?
    Christopher Balfe
  • Hi! Are you my
    new colleague?
    Peter Chemweno
  • Hi! Are you my
    new colleague?
    Suzanne Hulscher
  • Hi! Are you my
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    Mina Shahi
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    new colleague?
    Mark Vlutters
  • Hi! Are you my
    new colleague?
    Anouk Bomers
  • Hi! Are you my
    new colleague?
    Floriana Anselmucci

Key takeaways

  • Hours
    40 hr.
  • Salary indication
    Salary gross/monthly
    based on full-time
    € 2,901 - € 3,707
  • Deadline
    31 Jul 2025

Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) has been the promise for complex systems design for many years. Still, many companies struggle to implement it. They tend to rely on paper based systems engineering, where visual diagrams combined with interaction between engineers is used to create innovative system designs. The A3 Architecture Overviews (A3AO) are very helpful in that.

This project is about building a bridge between the visual/human systems engineering and MBSE.

You will investigate existing approaches to Systems Engineering at our industrial partners Canon Production Printing, Rademaker Industrial Bakery Equipment and VMI machinery. Building on their approaches and information infrastructures, you will improve the communication in the development process.

You will lead the development of a digital (file) format for the A3AOs that contains both visual and logical information, so that it can be used in inter-human conversations, and for feeding into MBSE and other digital information structures present in companies. Also, you will work on means to handle the A3AOs (like an editor).

PhD position on connecting the fuzzy frontend of systems engineering to existing information infrastructures.

Your profile

  • You are an enthusiastic and highly motivated researcher.
  • You have a creative mindset and excellent analytical and communication skills.
  • You have a good team spirit and like to work in an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented environment.
  • You are proficient in English and preferably also in Dutch.
  • You are a fast learner.
  • You are able to think visually.
  • You have an affinity to information modelling.
  • You have a background in Industrial Design Engineering, Computer Science, Embedded Systems, Business and IT or similar.

Our offer

  • A full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year, and the flexibility to work (partially) from home.
  • You have a background in Industrial Design Engineering, Computer Science, Embedded Systems, Business and IT or similar.
  • 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 € 2.901,- (first year) to 3.707,- (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. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore 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 August 1st, and include:

·         A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4), emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications, motivations to apply for this position.

·         A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of all courses attended and grades obtained, and, if applicable, a list of publications and references.

·         An IELTS-test, Internet TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT), or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE). Applicants with a non-Dutch qualification and who have not had secondary and tertiary education in English can only be admitted with an IELTS-test showing a total band score of at least 6.5, internet. TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT) showing a score of at least 90, or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE).

For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact Maarten Bonnema (g.m.bonnema@utwente.nl) or Kostas Nizamis (k.nizamis@utwente.nl)

Screening is part of the selection procedure.

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About the department

At SEMD we investigate designing in the field of multidisciplinary systems and research the role of Systems Engineering (SE) as an integrative discipline next to the traditional engineering fields. We apply systems thinking and system design tools in a systematic way, to facilitate multidisciplinary development projects.

We are a diverse and international team that values collaboration and initiative. We support and challenge each other to achieve high quality research output and we love to teach at bachelor, master, post-master levels and in industry.

About the organisation

The Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) engages in education and research of Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering. We enable society and industry to innovate and create value using efficient, solid and sustainable technology. We are part of a ‘people-first' university of technology, taking our place as an internationally leading center for smart production, processes and devices in five domains: Health Technology, Maintenance, Smart Regions, Smart Industry and Sustainable Resources. Our faculty is home to about 2,900 Bachelor's and Master's students, 550 employees and 150 PhD candidates. Our educational and research programmes are closely connected with UT research institutes Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Center and Digital Society Institute.

Want to know more

Bonnema, G.M. (Maarten)

Bonnema, G.M. (Maarten)
Full Professor in Systems Engineering and Multidisciplinary Design

Bonnema, G.M. (Maarten)
Full Professor in Systems Engineering and Multidisciplinary Design

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Maarten 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 Faculty ET

Curious about what the Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) stands for? Check out the ET website for more information.

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