PhD in Sustainability and Systems Thinking in Engineering Education at University of Twente University of Twente in Netherlands

PhD opportunity at the University of Twente in sustainability, systems thinking, and engineering education. The project is part of the CLEAR initiative (Chemistry Learning for Environmental Action and Responsibility) and focuses on how sustainability and systems thinking can be embedded into engineering curricula.

You will study current engineering education practices, design and test educational interventions, and work with lecturers, students, researchers, and the educational management team. The research themes include climate change, pollution, greenwashing, ethical responsibility, curriculum design, teaching, assessment, and the integration of environmental, social, and economic systems.

This is a 4-year PhD position in Enschede, Netherlands, within the Chemical Science & Engineering programme at the Faculty of Science & Technology. The role is interdisciplinary and connects chemistry, engineering, and educational science.

Eligibility highlights: a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering is mandatory; a master’s degree in engineering, education, or a related field at a research university is expected or to be obtained soon; strong commitment to sustainability; experience with educational analysis and/or programming, including AI-driven educational tools, is a plus; excellent analytical and critical-thinking skills; good communication and teamwork; proactive and independent working style; fluent English.

Funding: full-time salaried PhD position with gross monthly salary from €3,059 to €3,881, plus 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% end-of-year bonus, pension, leave hours, and campus sports access.

Application window: deadline 4 June 2026. Apply online and submit a cover letter, CV with grades/courses, two recommendation letters, and a one-page reflection on engineering education and systems thinking. IELTS/TOEFL is required for some applicants; the post specifies IELTS/TOEFL-iBT minimum scores where applicable.