"Assistant Professor Innovation Management/Strategy for Transitions"

Job Description

In this role, the candidate will contribute to research and education that explores how design-driven innovation management approaches support organizational transformation and system-level change. The position emphasizes socio-technical and design-oriented research, focusing on innovation management / strategies and intervention logics that enable transitions toward more sustainable, resilient, and responsible systems.

The candidate will work in an interdisciplinary environment within IDE and across TU Delft, collaborating with designers, economists, engineers, and social scientists (e.g., business administration and psychology), as well as external partners in industry, government, and civil society. The department values research that bridges theory and practice and contributes to both academic advancement and societal impact.

Teaching responsibilities include contributing to Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in Industrial Design Engineering, particularly in courses related to innovation management, innovation strategy, organizational structures, systems thinking, and transitions. The candidate will supervise BSc and MSc projects and actively contribute to the development of education that equips future designers to operate as strategic actors in complex organizational and societal contexts.

Overall, this profile supports DOS’s mission to strengthen the role of design as a strategic driver of organizational change and societal transitions, and to educate designers who can engage with complexity, uncertainty, and responsibility in shaping the future through innovations with impact.

Job Requirements

• A PhD in Business Administration, Strategic Design, Innovation Management, Organization Studies, Management of Technology, Economics or a closely related field.
• A strong research profile in design-driven innovation, innovation management, new product marketing, organizational strategy and structure, or transition studies, evidenced by publications in relevant peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience with, or strong affinity for quantitative, and qualitative research approaches.
• Ability and willingness to work across disciplinary boundaries, collaborating with designers, economist, engineers, and social scientists.
• Affinity with translating research insights into actionable frameworks, strategies, or interventions for organizational and societal contexts.
• Teaching experience in higher education, particularly in areas related to innovation management/strategy, new product marketing, organizational strategy and structure, and/or systems thinking. A university teaching qualification is considered an asset.
• Excellent command of English, both written and spoken. Proficiency in Dutch language is an asset.
• Interests in contributing to research acquisition, program development, and academic service within the department. Experience in grant writing and acquisition is highly valued.

About TU Delft

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of 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 as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Industrial Design Engineering

Matching the evolution of people with the speed of the revolution of technology. This is the focus of the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering (IDE). Delft designers act as a bridge between advances in technology and the needs of people, organisations and society to create products, services and systems with purpose.

IDE is a leader in design research across the application areas of mobility, sustainability and health, as well as its development of design tools and methods. A 350-strong research team and over 2,000 students work together in our inspiring hall, labs and studios.

In close cooperation with industry, the public sector and NGOs we rehearse possible futures in research and education to design for a complex future.

Conditions of Employment

This position is offered as an Academic Career Track position (0.8 – 1.0 FTE). During the Academic Career Track, we expect you to grow towards an Associate Professor position within a maximum of eight years, for which a position will be available. With other Academic Career Track colleagues, you will participate in the Academic Career Track Development programme, where you are offered ample opportunities to develop yourself in the areas of Education, Research, Societal Impact & Innovation, and Leadership & Organisation. You will regularly discuss your development and results with senior staff based on a personalized development plan and performance criteria agreed upon at the start of your Academic Career Track. You will start with a temporary contract that will be converted to a permanent contract no later than 12 -18 months after a positive evaluation, based on continuous confidence in your development potential and fit in the organisation.

Inspiring, excellent education is our central aim. We expect you to obtain a University Teaching Qualification (UTQ) within three years if you have less than five years of teaching experience. This is provided by the TU Delft UTQ programme as part of the Academic Career Track Development programme.

TU Delft sets high standards for the English competency of the teaching staff. The TU Delft offers training to improve English competency. If you do not speak Dutch, we offer courses to learn the Dutch language within three years.

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

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, provides information and personal one-on-one guidance to help you prepare your relocation, and to find housing and schools for children (if applicable). In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional Information

For information about the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Erik Jan Hultink (h.j.hultink@tudelft.nl). For information about the application procedure, please contact Dr. Shahrokh Nikou (s.n.nikou@tudelft.nl) or by phone: +31-15-278-73-92.

Application Procedure

Are you our new Assistant Professor in Innovation Management/Strategy for Transition? Please apply no later than 24 February 2026. Click the application button and upload your application material, including:

• A cover letter (please clearly indicate how your interest/experience is linked with and complement the aforementioned research areas and teaching activities),
• A detailed CV (including publication list, contributions to education and funding/valorization achievements),
• Research statement,
• Education statement,
• Two reference letters, and other information that might be relevant to your application.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.