Postdoc in Sustainable Circular Business Models and Finance in Hubs for Circularity
Help redefine how industries invest in sustainability. As a postdoctoral researcher, you will combine AI, financial modelling, and simulation to create innovative solutions that enable the transition from industrial symbiosis to Hubs for Circularity in Europe.
The Challenge
As process industries transition to circular models, companies within Hubs for Circularity (H4C) need robust tools to navigate the financial complexities of industrial symbiosis. This project aims to bridge financial modelling, AI, simulation, and circular business model innovation, equipping decision-makers with practical, scientifically grounded tools to evaluate risks, cash flows, and long-term business viability.
Your Role
We are seeking a highly motivated and creative postdoctoral candidate to develop data-driven financial forecasting, planning, and scenario-analysis tools. You will work on three closely connected tasks in Horizon Europe funded “Sustainable Circular Economy Transition: from Industrial Symbiosis to Hubs for Circularity - IS2H4C” project. The project website is available here: IS2H4C PROJECT
- Financial Forecasting & AI: Use scenario case analysis, simulation, time series models, and/or AI-based approaches to forecast cash flows and support financial analysis for individual companies, co-financing arrangements, and hubs for circularity.
- - Business Model Planning: Contribute to financial plans and canvases for new circular business models, projecting revenues, expenses, risks, investments, and profitability.
- Simulation Design: Design and apply simulations that integrate financial and non-financial information. This will enable companies to explore future scenarios, assess the economic benefits of resource sharing/exchanging, and strengthen investment decisions.
About You
Are you eager to develop innovative financial models that support sustainable industrial transitions and help companies make better investment decisions in circular ecosystems? If you are ready to contribute to solutions that improve decision-making for industrial symbiosis, we look forward to your application!
Information and application
Are you interested to be part of our team? Please submit your application before August 1st through the employment portal of the University of Twente and include:
- Cover letter of at most 1.5 page A4, explaining specific interests, the motivation for the application, and why you fit to this project;
- An academic transcript of BSc, MSc and PhD education, including grades;
- Full Curriculum Vitae, contact information for at least two academic references, and if applicable, a list of publications;
- 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).
If you have any questions regarding this vacancy, you can get in touch with either dr. M.R. Machado (m.r.machado@utwente.nl), prof. dr. D.M. Yazan (d.m.yazan@utwente.nl) or prof. dr. L. Spierdijk (l.spierdijk@utwente.nl). We do not accept applications via e-mail. Applications done through e-mail will be disregarded. We will make the interviews in a rolling basis, which means that we do not expect the deadline to fill the position. If a qualified candidate is found before the deadline, the position will be closed.
About the department
The High-tech Business Entrepreneurship (HBE) department is dedicated to encouraging a supportive and inclusive working culture. Our aim is that all job applicants are given equal opportunities. When we select candidates for employment, it will be on the basis of their competence and ability. To support the workforce diversity, we are open to offer flexible working conditions on an individual basis to support work-life balance, that may include contract of employment, working hours and location, or child care arrangements. 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 and use social engineering to integrate them into society. 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.
About the organisation
At the Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences (BMS), we unite the worlds of people and technology to address today’s complex societal challenges. We are passionate about understanding human behaviour, fostering responsible innovation, and designing solutions that create societal value. Our educational programmes span disciplines such as Psychology, Business Administration, Public Administration, Communication Sciences, Philosophy, Educational Sciences, and Health Sciences. Through our bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Professional Learning & Development programmes, and interdisciplinary research themes – including Emerging Technologies & Societal Transformations, Resilience, Smart Industry, Learning, and Health – we empower students and researchers to make a positive societal impact.
At BMS, we combine critical thinking with practical action. From advancing sustainable mobility with innovations like the world’s most efficient hydrogen car to shaping policies that promote digital inclusion, our work contributes to a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable future. Whether it’s exploring how technology influences human behaviour or leveraging data and innovation to transform industries and communities, we ensure that technology serves people – and not the other way around.
As an employer, BMS offers a vibrant, inclusive, and entrepreneurial environment where you can thrive personally and professionally. Join us and become part of a forward-thinking community that equips you to shape the future – for yourself and society. With us, you will become part of a leading technical university with increasing, positive social impact.
Want to know more?
