PhD Position on Twin Transition of Infrastructure

Project Overview

About the Position

TU Delft invites applications for a PhD position on the twin transition of infrastructure, focusing on paradoxical leadership, funded through an NWO Vidi project. The research examines how organisations that plan and govern infrastructure face simultaneous digital and sustainability transitions - two agendas that can reinforce each other but also create tensions between competing priorities, timelines and values. The doctoral project studies how leaders navigate these paradoxes in infrastructure organisations, combining organisational theory with empirical fieldwork among infrastructure managers and policymakers.

The position sits within the university's infrastructure and organisation research environment, connecting public-management scholarship with engineering-facing questions about how Dutch and European infrastructure systems change. The PhD candidate will design interviews and case studies, analyse leadership practices and contribute to international publications and practitioner-oriented outputs. The appointment follows the Dutch CAO-NU collective agreement with a starting salary of EUR 3,204 per month, growing with seniority.

Candidate Profile and Supervision

Applicants hold a research master's degree in management, organisation studies, public administration, engineering management or a related discipline, with strong qualitative research skills and an interest in infrastructure and sustainability governance. Experience with interviewing and case-study methods is an advantage, as is affinity with digitalisation or sustainability themes. The candidate works under the supervision of the Vidi project leader within an active group of doctoral researchers and benefits from TU Delft's graduate school training programme.

Highlights

NWO Vidi-funded PhD on paradoxical leadership in infrastructure transitions
Digital plus sustainability twin-transition research agenda
Qualitative case studies with infrastructure organisations
Salaried under the CAO-NU agreement (EUR 3,204 - 4,051 per month)
Delft graduate school training and international collaboration
Four-year doctoral appointment

Funding and Duration

Component	Details
Award or position	PhD fellowship / salaried position
Stipend / salary	EUR 3,204 - EUR 4,051 gross per month (CAO-NU PhD scale)
Duration	Four years

Eligibility and Requirements

Component	Details
Applicant eligibility	Worldwide
Academic preparation	Research master's in management, organisation studies, engineering or a related field
Language	English proficiency required

Application dates

Component	Details
Recruitment status	Open
Deadline	3 November 2026
Location	Delft, Netherlands

About TU Delft

TU Delft is a public technical university in Delft, the Netherlands. It offers undergraduate, master's and doctoral education across engineering, architecture, design and applied sciences. Its research connects technical knowledge with practical challenges, including energy, mobility, infrastructure and sustainability, through collaboration with industry, public organisations and international academic institutions worldwide.

Official details: Read the programme or project information

Application route: Follow the official application instructions

Important Notes

Application deadline: 3 November 2026 - late or incomplete applications are normally not considered.
Listing details were recorded from the official source at the time of publication; always confirm the latest requirements on the official page before applying.
Prepare the documents listed in the eligibility and application sections before starting the online form - transcripts, CV and references take the longest to collect.

How to Apply

Submit your application through the official page before the deadline: 3 November 2026. Read the eligibility requirements carefully and prepare all requested documents - early applications are strongly recommended for competitive awards.

Open the official application page ↗

Application guides

Official Link

https://careers.tudelft.nl/job/Delft-PhD-Position-on-Twin-Transition-of-Infrastructure-Paradoxical-Leadership-2628-CD/1371870257/

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Frequently asked questions

Drawn from this listing's own record. Always confirm the details on the official source before applying.

What is the deadline for PhD Position on Twin Transition of Infrastructure: Paradoxical Leadership (NWO Vidi) - TU Delft, Netherlands?

The application deadline is 4 November 2026 (3 November 2026). Applications received after that date are not considered, so treat it as a hard cut-off (Europe/Amsterdam time) and leave time for references and transcripts. Closing time not specified — confirm with the provider before you leave it until the last day: the source names Europe/Amsterdam but gives no clock time.

Is PhD Position on Twin Transition of Infrastructure: Paradoxical Leadership (NWO Vidi) - TU Delft, Netherlands fully funded?

This is a fully funded award: tuition is covered and a living stipend is provided for the duration of the programme. EUR 3,204 - EUR 4,051 gross per month (CAO-NU PhD scale).

Who is eligible to apply for PhD Position on Twin Transition of Infrastructure: Paradoxical Leadership (NWO Vidi) - TU Delft, Netherlands?

This opportunity is open to applicants worldwide. Host-country status is not a requirement, although you must still satisfy the visa rules for Netherlands. Applications are assessed by TU Delft.

How do I apply for PhD Position on Twin Transition of Infrastructure: Paradoxical Leadership (NWO Vidi) - TU Delft, Netherlands?

Applications for PhD Position on Twin Transition of Infrastructure: Paradoxical Leadership (NWO Vidi) - TU Delft, Netherlands are submitted directly to TU Delft through the provider's own application portal — use the Apply button on this page to open it. NextApply does not process applications or charge a fee.

Is an English proficiency test required for PhD Position on Twin Transition of Infrastructure: Paradoxical Leadership (NWO Vidi) - TU Delft, Netherlands?

Yes — an English-language certificate is required for this listing. Check the exact band expected on the official source, since it can differ by programme. Requirements for Netherlands are published by the provider.

What study level does PhD Position on Twin Transition of Infrastructure: Paradoxical Leadership (NWO Vidi) - TU Delft, Netherlands offer?

This listing is offered at PhD level. That describes the qualification on offer, not a credential you must already hold — check the provider's stated entry requirements before applying.

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PhD Position on Twin Transition of Infrastructure: Paradoxical Leadership (NWO Vidi) - TU Delft, Netherlands