Post-doc researcher mission-oriented innovation for sustainable datacenters

University of Twente
December 15, 2024
Contact:N/A
Offerd Salary:Salary between € 4.020 and € 5
Location:N/A
Working address:N/A
Contract Type:Other
Working Time:Full time
Working type:N/A
Ref info:N/A

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

  • Conduct a stakeholder analysis to understand the potential users, key stakeholders, their perspectives and identify tensions and alignment;
  • Design and conduct longitudinal studies and engage in sociotechnical exploration and scenario development to understand how innovations developed in the project are influenced by and can contribute to (sustainable) transitions in data infrastructures;
  • Feed insights back to the innovation ecosystem and co-create strategic implications;
  • Work independently on your own research, while remaining in close relation with other researchers in the project team as well as with professionals of the involved partner organizations and external stakeholders;
  • Report and present your findings for both scientific and non-scientific audiences (e.g., at scientific conferences, in journal publications, or during workshops with practitioners).
  • 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 ([email protected]; 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.

    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 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.

    Want to know more? 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.

    Contact

    Phone:+31534893608

    Email:[email protected]

    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.

    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
  • Konrad, K.E. (Kornelia)
  • Personal page

  • Dedden, A.L. (Annemarie)
  • Personal page

  • Our mission Human Touch
  • At the UT it's all about people, in line with our university's High Tech Human Touch philosophy. In everything we do, the well-being and future of our students and staff are paramount. From research and teaching to personnel management, campus management and the use of new technologies.

  • Our mission We are a university of technology
  • Our university is a public institution that serves society. We are accountable to society for the ways in which we use our academic freedom. We are responsible for ensuring that the power of science and technology is harnessed to achieve the best possible impact in a changing world. We cherish our rich tradition of combining technical and social sciences in our five profiling themes: Improving healthcare by personalized technologies; Creating intelligent manufacturing systems; Shaping our world with smart materials; Engineering our digital society; and Engineering for a resilient world.

  • Our mission We help to strengthen society
  • We help society meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. But we are also transparent about what science and technology can and cannot do in finding sustainable solutions. And help translate these solutions into everyday life.

  • Our mission We are sustainable
  • We want our communities to flourish and show resilience, so we seize opportunities for innovation. We are knowledgeable and have an eye for what society needs. Our students and staff receive all the guidance they need in their quest for ecological, social and economic sustainability. “The University of Twente is all about people. Our sustainable technologies help to strengthen society.”

    Browse all jobs

    From this employer

    Recent blogs

    Recent news