"Postdoc on Balancing (trans-) disciplinary competencies in responsible engineering curricula"

We are offering an exciting postdoc position focused on balancing disciplinary and transdisciplinary competencies in engineering curricula. This is a unique opportunity to combine research with impact by shaping future curricula.

Grand societal challenges require a shift in engineering curricula from focusing on engineering challenges to addressing societal challenges. This involves fostering transformative competencies, both disciplinary and transdisciplinary. However, there is a lack of knowledge on co-creating constructively aligned curricula that balance these competencies.

TU/e received a NRO research grant to study how to co-create content-wise open, yet time-bound engineering curricula that are constructively aligned and support transformative competencies within the new rationale of addressing societal challenges.

This project will deliver validated design principles and solutions for co-creating such curricula. It includes two interlinked sub-projects: one PhD track focusing on characteristics of transformative competencies and pathways to identify them in co-creation with stakeholders, and a postdoc track focusing on pedagogies or structures for guiding students in selecting competencies through learning activities and assessment processes.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will conduct educational design research, present findings at international conferences, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and implement insights at TU/e. You will be embedded in TU/e innovation Space and the Sustainability Office, with a teaching component of 0.1 FTE.

Requirements: A PhD degree in educational design research, experience in higher education, research-oriented mindset, experience with engineering education and innovation, solid methodological skills in qualitative research, ability to thrive in interdisciplinary environments, excellent communication skills, proficiency in English (C1 level), and motivation to develop teaching competencies.

Conditions: Full-time employment for 2 years at TU/e, salary scale 10 (€3,546 to €5,538 per month), year-end bonus of 8.3%, annual vacation pay of 8%, high-quality training programs, excellent technical infrastructure, and more.