Delft University of Technology
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Postdoctoral Researcher in Student Transition from Secondary to Higher Education Delft University of Technology in Netherlands
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Education
Funding
This is a salaried, one-year postdoctoral employment contract, temporarily with possible extension, for 36–40 hours per week. The salary is €3,706–€5,760 in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. Benefits include an ABP pension scheme, flexible working arrangements, leave provisions, training opportunities, partially paid parental leave, and health-insurance discounts.
Deadline
Nov 29, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Delft University of Technology
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About this position
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the Netherlands is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher for the IDEE project on “The Transition from Secondary Education to Higher Education.” The project examines how universities can support students as they move from high school into engineering education.
The research will investigate student success from an integrated perspective, considering study progress, well-being, and competency development as interconnected dimensions. Using educational design-based research, the postdoctoral researcher will conceptualize successful transition, identify factors influencing student success, evaluate evidence-based practices, and design and assess new approaches that help students thrive.
The researcher will join TU Delft’s cross-faculty Initiative on Innovation in Delft Engineering Education (IDEE), working with a 20-member transition team, educational services, another postdoctoral researcher, and a PhD candidate. The appointment will be in the Science and Engineering Education section within the Faculty of Applied Sciences, supported by the TU Delft Teaching Academy.
Applicants should have a PhD in a social science discipline such as Educational Studies or Cognitive Psychology, a strong interest in engineering education, and the ability to organize research in a multidisciplinary environment. Experience with educational design-based research and familiarity with the Dutch secondary and higher education systems are advantageous.
The position is a one-year, 36–40-hour-per-week employment contract with possible extension. The salary is €3,706–€5,760 under the Dutch Universities collective agreement, with pension, leave, training, flexible-work, and other employment benefits. Applications must include a CV and a motivational letter of up to 600 words and be submitted online by 29 November 2026.
Funding details
This is a salaried, one-year postdoctoral employment contract, temporarily with possible extension, for 36–40 hours per week. The salary is €3,706–€5,760 in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. Benefits include an ABP pension scheme, flexible working arrangements, leave provisions, training opportunities, partially paid parental leave, and health-insurance discounts.
What's required
Applicants must hold a PhD in a social science such as Educational Studies or Cognitive Psychology and have a strong interest in engineering and engineering education. Experience with educational design-based research is advantageous. Candidates should be organized and motivated, able to coordinate research within a multidisciplinary team, and capable of working through ambiguities, inconsistencies, and uncertainties involving stakeholders with different interests and values. Familiarity with secondary and higher education systems, particularly the Dutch system, is an advantage.
How to apply
Apply online through the vacancy page by 29 November 2026 using the application button. Upload a CV and a motivational letter of no more than 600 words; shortlisted candidates will later provide contact details for two referees.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.