Interested in bio-fabricated construction materials? Join this research project that investigates low-energy, biodegradable, and carbon-sequestering composites, advancing circularity and regenerative design!
Job description
The Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment in Delft University of Technology is looking for a researcher to work on a broader transdisciplinary European research project entitled "Re-Growth,” supervised by Professor Mauro Overend and Assistant Professor Olga Ioannou. The project is funded by the NEB-Horizon Europe research program.
The broader Re-Growth project addresses systemic gaps in the sustainable construction ecosystem by developing and validating novel bio-fabricated materials that unite regenerative design, aesthetic quality, and environmental performance. Re-Growth combines science, design, and citizen engagement in a transdisciplinary co-creation process. It delivers a technical and methodological framework for next-generation bio-fabricated construction materials, bridging biotechnology, digital design, and societal participation to accelerate Europe’s transition toward circular, inclusive, and beautiful built environments.
In your researcher role at TU Delft you will focus on developing structural biofabricated polymer composites, reinforced laminates, and sandwich panels using microbial extracellular polymeric substances derived from wastewater as a binding matter. These will be functionalized as load-bearing floors, facades, and wall elements. Research will further explore how these materials perform against structural, thermal, acoustic, fire, health, durability, and aesthetic requirements under variable climatic conditions following EU standards. Additional considerations will include how these materials are repaired, whether they can enter existing waste systems, and whether they can realistically scale.
Key activities include:
- Establishing a participatory, transdisciplinary framework uniting architecture, design, engineering, social sciences, and the arts to co-create next-generation bio-fabricated materials through co-creation workshops, and consulations with a Community of Practice and a Transdisciplinary Board.
- Experiment and validate composite materials that combine sustainability, aesthetics, and functionality. This involves engineering, design and multi-scale characterization of properties.
- Organise focus groups, design reviews and open studios to elevate aesthetic appreciation and societal acceptance through focus groups and surveys and use the results to optimise formulations, finishes, and application awareness.
- Craft scaled models and build a selected number of 1:1 scale demonstrators to enhance co-experiential, multi-actor, testing and validate desirability.
- Explore mass-scale feasibility CE market readiness to address regulatory, and societal barriers to adoption through a digital and robotic manufacturing framework.
You will be part of a transdisciplinary consortium that consists of 15+ members. The candidate(s) will publish scientific articles, participate in international workshops and consortium meetings, and contribute modestly to teaching activities within the faculty.
A PhD is preferred, however candidates without a PhD but with a master’s degree in the field of Materials Engineering or Building Sciences are encouraged to apply.
Job requirements
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with:
- A doctoral dissertation or a master’s degree in the field of Materials Engineering or Building Sciences.
- A strong interest in bio-materials and bio-fabrication.
- Experience with material processing and product design (graduation thesis relevant to this field of research and/or at least one relevant publication).
- Strong skills in critical thinking, scientific rigor, and creative design-based research.
- Excellent oral, visual, and written communication skills (in English) – C1 Level.
- The ability to work independently, and as part of a team, and to build collaborative, interdisciplinary/transdisciplinary networks.
- Work experience is not essential but will be considered an asset.
TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft 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. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.
At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.
Challenge. Change. Impact!
Faculty Architecture & the Built Environment
The Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment has a leading role in education and research worldwide. The driving force behind the faculty’s success is its robust research profile combined with the energy and creativity of its student body and academic community. It is buzzing with energy, with four thousand people enthusiastically studying, working, designing, conducting research and acquiring and disseminating knowledge. Our faculty has a strong focus on 'design-oriented research’, which has given it a top position in world rankings.
Staff and students are working 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.
about this vacancy, please contact dr.ir. Olga Ioannou via e-mail: [email protected].
For more information about the application procedure, please contact Paulien Stastra, HR advisor,
via [email protected].
The preferred starting date for this position is September 2026.
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 9 July 2026 upload the following documents:
- A detailed CV.
- A short motivation letter describing how you fit in the advertised position (max 1 A4).
- A research statement outlining your research interests, relevant experience, and how you would approach research on bio-fabrication of microbial polymers and composites (max 1 A4).
- Your graduate transcripts.
- An abstract of your PhD (or MSc) thesis, and an overview of your thesis research compiled into a single pdf file (max 10 pages in total) named TUD_YourLastname.pdf.
- A design portfolio will be considered an asset.
- Proof of English language proficiency.
- The names and contact details of two references (letters not required at this stage).
Please note that applications will not be processed unless all documents required are compiled into a single pdf document.
Please note:
- You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
- As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
Applying for an exemption for specific research and educational areas is an obligatory part of the selection procedure for this vacancy. This exemption must be obtained from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) before an employment contract is agreed upon. - .
- Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.
