PhD Position Scenario Planning for AI-Driven Transitions - Built Environment

This PhD position focuses on scenario planning for AI-driven transitions in the built environment. You will join the NWO-funded FUTURED programme to explore how digitalisation transforms jobs, skills and business opportunities in the energy transition.

Job description

How will AI and digitalisation transform jobs, skills and business opportunities in built environment transitions over the next 5–10 years? As a PhD candidate within the NWO-funded FUTURED programme, you will develop short-term, evidence-based scenarios at the intersection of AI-driven digitalisation and the energy transition.

You will investigate how technologies such as AI, BIM, digital twins and automation pipelines are reshaping professional roles, required competencies and organisational models in the construction sector and built environment in general. Your research will focus on identifying labour-market risks, emerging opportunities and governance challenges, translating these insights into actionable scenarios for policymakers, industry and educational institutions.

Working in a transdisciplinary consortium, you will collaborate closely with researchers, policymakers and industry partners. Through case studies, stakeholder interviews and co-creation workshops, you will gather qualitative insights and validate your findings in real-world settings. You will synthesise complex evidence into clear scenarios and practical outputs that support workforce development and strategic decision-making.

Beyond your research, you will contribute to academic publications and actively engage with stakeholders to ensure societal relevance and impact. You will be part of a vibrant academic environment at TU Delft, where research, education and innovation come together to address pressing societal challenges.

Job requirements

• You hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as construction management, architecture or engineering management, innovation studies, socio-technical systems, AI in the built environment, or public policy.
• You demonstrate clear affinity with AI and digitalisation in the built environment, such as BIM, digital twins, automation or innovation governance in construction.
• You have strong qualitative research skills, including case study design, interviewing and thematic analysis.
• You can synthesise complex findings into scenario designs and actionable outputs for practitioners, policymakers and help inform future education design.
• You thrive in transdisciplinary collaboration and are comfortable engaging stakeholders in workshops and co-creation settings.
• You have a proactive, solution-oriented mindset and enjoy turning foresight into practical impact.
• You have excellent academic writing and communication skills in English and Dutch.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society.

Faculty Architecture & the Built Environment

The Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment has a leading role in education and research worldwide. Staff and students work to improve the built environment with the help of a broad set of disciplines, including architectural design, urban planning, building technology, social sciences, process management, and geo-information science. The faculty works closely with other faculties, universities, private parties, and the public sector, and has an extensive network in the Netherlands as well as internationally.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.