Innovation & Market Researcher – Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) 0.2 FTE

Introduction

Would you like to bridge the gap between urban climate resilience and commercial real estate development? We are seeking an researcher to conduct customer discovery with private developers and build a parametric library to mathematically quantify the value of green interventions.

Job Description

The Department of the Built Environment is executing an applied research project focused on building a trustworthy AI framework to assist municipalities and private developers in recognizing the multi-dimensional values of nature. This position is vital for aligning regulatory climate mandates with commercial market realities.

As an Innovation and Market Researcher, you will tackle two concrete challenges:

1. Customer Discovery & Market Analysis: You will conduct structured interviews and map out Decision-Making Units (DMUs) across private developers and municipal departments. Your focus will be on understanding where the internal alignment breaks down regarding nature-inclusive investments and identifying where current workflows—such as relying on fragmented external cost consultancies or static Excel-based validation tools—fail to capture long-term performance.
2. Parametric NBS Library Development: You will translate scientific literature and empirical data into a standardized database of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS). You will map out the precise physical boundaries (e.g., roof pitch limitations, load proxies) and eco-financial benefits (e.g., energy efficiency, stormwater interception, carbon calculation metrics) of green infrastructure. Additionally, you will catalog financial catalysts, such as municipal green funds or private banking subsidies for biobased materials, to directly support return-on-investment (ROI) modeling.

Within our team, you will collaborate closely with technical engineers and external industry pioneers, turning qualitative market insights into hard variables that feed our computational logic engine.

Job Requirements

• A recently completed Master’s degree in Innovation Management, Industrial Engineering, Structural Engineering, Sustainable Urban Development, or a closely related field.
• Experience with, or a strong interest in, qualitative research methods, corporate customer discovery, and stakeholder interview mapping.
• Basic familiarity with commercial real estate development processes, land exploitation (GREX) models, or urban planning frameworks.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to translate technical environmental parameters (e.g., water retention coefficients, thermal insulation values) into structured financial or logical data.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English; proficiency in Dutch is considered a major asset for interacting with local municipalities and regional developers.
• Self-motivated, structured, and comfortable working in an interdisciplinary setting that bridges technology, policy, and business.

If you are concerned that you don’t meet all the requirements sufficiently, but the job does excite you, then be sure to respond, we would love to look at your profile.

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. € 3,546 max. € 5,538 gross per month).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• A favorable arrangement for more holidays or a sabbatical.
• A selection model for additional fringe benefits.
• Working hours in consultation for an optimal work-life balance.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Unlimited access to the modern on campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• Scope for your talent with advancement prospects and excellent development opportunities such as mentoring, workshops and coaching.
• Partially paid parental leave and reimbursement for commuting expenses, working from home and the internet.
• A generous employer contribution to the favorable ABP pension plan.

Here you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us

We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

Sustainability, in its broadest definition, is the cornerstone of research and education in the Department of Built Environment. We take the lead in (re)shaping the built environment to be future-proof, safe, healthy, inclusive and respectful of planetary boundaries. We house the entire spectrum of technology, engineering, design, and human behavior disciplines in the built environment, with world-class experimental facilities at all scales. This allows us to address societal challenges from a uniquely integrated perspective.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact the hiring manager, Shahryar Ershad Sarabi, Assistant Professor, [email protected]. 

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact Leo van Houten, HR-Advisor, [email protected] or +31 40 247 8269.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

If you are interested, please use the ‘apply’ button to send us your CV and letter of application with your motivation and a description of your qualifications.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. Please note that incomplete applications may not be considered and could be rejected.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Please note 

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.