PhD Position on Spatial Planning of Industrial Strategies and Circular Economy in Additive Manufacturing Delft University of Technology in Netherlands

This PhD position at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is part of the Add-reAM project, a large interdisciplinary initiative funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) and involving multiple universities, research institutes, municipalities, and industry partners. The project aims to foster a sustainable, circular future for Dutch industry through the adoption of additive manufacturing (AM), with a focus on minimizing waste, conserving resources, and meeting consumer needs sustainably. The specific PhD project is embedded in Work Package 3, which investigates regulatory, economic, political, environmental, and social innovations necessary for the successful integration of AM in the Netherlands.

The research will analyze the structure and dynamics of industrial ecosystems surrounding AM, examining how firms, institutions, and infrastructures interact to enable or constrain the development of a competitive and sustainable AM sector. The project is situated within economic geography and spatial planning, employing a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative data (such as socioeconomic and logistical data) with qualitative data (including policy documents, interviews, and expert sessions). The candidate will build a nodal-relational database of socio-economic and material data, expand visualisation methodologies to map actor-networks, and organize interviews and expert sessions to validate and improve findings.

The ultimate goal is to formulate actionable public and private policy recommendations for advancing AM in Dutch industry. The PhD will collaborate closely with other researchers in the Add-reAM consortium and present findings in academic and policy forums. TU Delft is a leading international university known for its strengths in science, engineering, and design, and the Faculty of Architecture & the Built Environment is recognized for its robust research profile and design-oriented approach.

The position offers a 4-year employment contract (1.5 years initial, 2.5 years extension upon satisfactory progress), with a competitive salary and benefits in line with the Dutch university collective agreement. The TU Delft Graduate School provides a supportive research environment and professional development opportunities. Applicants should have a relevant MSc degree, experience with mixed-methods research, strong analytical and communication skills, and an interest in stakeholder engagement.

Familiarity with GIS or other spatial analysis tools and basic Dutch language skills are advantageous. The application deadline is 7 December 2025, and applications must be submitted online.