Postdoc Stakeholder Engagement in Construction

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Job description

The researcher explores the added value of stakeholder engagement in addressing grand challenges by public clients. The new Dutch Environmental Planning Act (EPA), likely due in 2022, formalises the involvement of stakeholders beyond the governmental institutions in the planning process, moving towards greater collaboration between government, market parties and civic society. Within the new EPA two distinctive forms of citizens’ engagement are acknowledged: first, the involvement and say of citizens within public processes that are initiated by public commissioners and second, the organisation and facilitation by public commissioners of initiatives taken by citizens or non-state actors. Both, in simple terms referred to as top-down and bottom-up initiated processes, require different roles, responsibilities and attitudes of public clients in construction.

The research focusses on how public commissioners in cross-sector collaborations can improve the quality of decision-making by using substantive contributions and/or added value of stakeholders, e.g. using their information and solutions. The research will combine a theoretical approach looking into preconditions for collaborative practices and empirical research into available cases of stakeholder involvement from within and outside the construction sector. The research will use collaboration, stakeholder management and public management theory to define design elements for effective stakeholder engagement in the construction sector.

Job requirements

We are looking for an ambitious and proactive postdoc on a (nearly) full-time basis for at least 1 and maximum 2 years to carry out this research. After one year a go - no go assessment will take place to decide on the continuation of the appointment.

Job requirements are:

• PhD, preferably in the field of public administration, social sciences, planning or public governance;
• affinity with construction management, project or process management, civil engineering or adjacent fields;
• affinity with (qualitative) empirical research in collaborative or participative practices or stakeholder engagement;
• experience with scientific theory development;
• high analytical and conceptual thinking;
• high degree of observational capacity and sensitivity to the environment;
• a persistent, independent and social colleague;
• excellent communication skills (written and verbal) in Dutch (because of the data collection and knowledge transfer for education and valorisation) and English (because of the scientific component);
• available in the foreseeable future for 2 years.

Conditions of employment

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation. An International Children's Centre offers childcare and there is an international primary school.

TU Delft

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creatorsof the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty of Architecture and 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 from early in the morning until late at night, with four thousand people 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.

Additional information

The selection procedure consists of 2 interviews. If you are invited for a second interview, you will be asked to submit a vision document on the above research topics.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact prof.dr. Marleen Hermans, e-mail: [email protected]    

For information about the application procedure, please contact Caro Coemans HR advisor, e-mail: [email protected]

Please submit your application online no later than October 1, 2021 (Local Dutch time: UTC-time + 2 hrs). You can only apply via the application button 'Apply now'; applications sent to one of the mentioned email addresses will not be processed.

Application procedure

To apply for this position, please submit the following documents:

• a letter of application stating your motivation for this position and a detailed CV;
• a list of publications, including a 'top 3 of your articles' related to the position;
• the names of three references, with contact information.

Please note:

• You can only apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• Incomplete applications will not be processed.
• A pre-Employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.