EngD position on Developing an Interactive Reverse Logistics Map for Circular Construction (CIRCOLOGIC)

Job description

The construction sector is under increasing pressure to reduce CO2 emissions, limit material consumption, and accelerate the transition towards circular and modular construction methods. While significant progress has been made in optimising logistics for new construction, far less attention has been paid to the reverse side of the value chain: what happens to materials when ‘donor’ buildings are renovated, transformed, or deconstructed - and how these materials can be reused in other ‘target’ projects.

Many building components still have substantial technical and environmental value, but are downcycled or discarded. The main barriers are not only technical, but also logistical, economic, and organisational: uncertainty about availability, quality, timing, transport, storage, costs, and liability makes reuse difficult to integrate into design and planning decisions. At the same time, digital developments such as BIM, product passports, digital twins, and data-driven logistics provide new opportunities to bridge these gaps - if they are connected in a meaningful way.

This EngD project addresses this challenge by developing an interactive reverse logistics map for circular construction. It links three different deliverables together to support different construction actors with relevant reuse- and replacement-oriented decisions: (i) an interactive geographical map, (ii) a calculation/optimization module, and (iii) a scenario engine.

Main activities

Your work will consist of the following interconnected activities:

1.     Use case and requirements definition

Together with Dura Vermeer, the University of Twente (UT), and TNO, you will define pilot cases and key decision questions. This includes identifying critical KPIs (e.g. CO2, cost, circularity), uncertainty factors, and stakeholder information needs.

2.     Data integration and system architecture

You will design a data model that combines logistics, emissions, material characteristics, and reuse concepts. This includes aligning different data sources such as planning data, material inventories, product passports, and logistics parameters.

3.     Interactive map and scenario engine design

You will develop a GIS-like interactive map and scenario engine that allows users to compare demolition, deconstruction, reuse, refurbishment, modular construction, and new-build scenarios. The visual component will play a key role in making trade-offs transparent and accessible.

4.     Pilot implementation in practice

The tool will be tested and validated in one or more real (de)construction projects. You will work with the contractor Dura Vermeer to better understand the context and potential use cases.

5.     Evaluation and scaling strategy

You will evaluate the impact of the tool on emission reduction, reuse potential, logistics efficiency, and planning reliability. Based on the results, you will outline a roadmap for broader application and scaling.

Collaboration and embedding

This EngD position bridges two larger research projects - ECOLOGIC (on optimizing construction logistics) and PACER (on circular and emission-free renovation - and a Joint Innovation Center (JIC) in which UT and TNO work together (on accelerating housing production).

Your profile

• You are enthusiastic and highly motivated to conduct design science research in close collaboration with practice.
• You have, or will shortly, acquire a master degree in the field of Construction Management & Engineering, Civil Engineering & Management, Architecture, Business Administration, Organizational Studies, Computer Science, or a related field.
• You have affinity with qualitative research methods, such as case studies or ethnography.
• You have a creative mindset and excellent analytical and communication skills.
• You can easily navigate between the different research organizations and consortia involved in this EngD project.
• You have good communication skills and a sound project approach.
• You are proficient in English and, preferably, also in Dutch (or willing to learn).

Our offer

• A very challenging position for two years, with the flexibility to work (partially) from home.
• A tailor made post-master design programme that has an educational component (50%) as well as a design project (50%).
• A gross monthly salary of €3029,- per month.
• There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
• A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
• Free access to sports facilities on campus.
• Excellent career support and courses for your professional and personal development.
• A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid).

Information and application

Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before August 15, and include:

• A cover letter (maximum 2 pages of A4), emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications, and motivations to apply for this position.
• A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of all courses attended and grades obtained, and, if applicable, a list of publications and references.

Please note: during the application procedure, you may be asked to provide documentation demonstrating your proficiency in English (e.g., results from IELTS, TOEFL-iBT, or Cambridge CAE/CPE).

For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact Marc van den Berg ([email protected]) or Rob Bemthuis ([email protected]).

Screening is part of the procedure.

Interviews will take place in week 34 and 35.

About the organisation

At the Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET), we work on engineering for impact: developing smart, sustainable, human-centred and technological solutions for societal challenges. We connect fundamental education, research and practice across five core domains: Asset & Maintenance engineering, Intelligent Manufacturing Systems, Personalised Health Technology, Resilience Engineering, and Sustainable Production, Energy and Resources.

We work on education and research in mechanical engineering, civil engineering and industrial design engineering. Together, we learn by making, creating, and innovating, addressing challenges in a solution-oriented way. Quality, connection and inclusivity are the foundation of our culture.

In our open community, students, researchers and staff collaborate with industrial and societal partners. This enables us to develop insights, applications and solutions that add value to society.