Student Assistant – Communications

• Help in writing newsletters
• Support preparing flyers, presentations and other communications resources
• Support creating social media posts
• Support the communications plans for the Aurora events
• Publishing articles and pages on the Aurora website
• Other tasks

PhD Position Designing Resilient and Biodiverse Landscapes at Meso-Scale

The climate and biodiversity crises make it urgent to rethink how we manage land and water. Current land-use systems are often eroding the ecological foundations on which long-term prosperity depends. Existing socio-economic models mainly capture land use that delivers marketed goods and therefore miss important demands for nature, including benefits linked to health, wellbeing, recreation, pollination, and natural pest control. This can lead to restoration being undervalued and its costs overstated. You will contribute to the development of a new generation of assessment models that fully incorporate these demands and benefits for natural land uses with the aim to reshape how people, businesses, and policymakers value restoration and act on it.

This research is part of the Horizon Europe project NatuRISE (NATUre Restoration Impact assessment for Socio-Economic and ecological benefits). The overall objective of NatuRISE is to develop and apply new EU- and local-scale modelling approaches to capture the full socio-economic and ecological benefits and costs of nature restoration. NatuRISE is coordinated within the VU but brings together 17 partners from different institutes throughout Europe. The work will be carried out at the IVM. The candidate will work in close collaboration with the NatuRISE consortium partners.

For this PhD position, you will work on research leading to a PhD thesis related to the modelling of more comprehensive assessments of the land dynamics and socio-economic benefits at the EU-wide level. The position entails: (i) understanding the socio-economic demands for productive and non-productive land uses and impacts this may bring for underreported indicators such as health and wellbeing, (ii) developing a multi-objective framework in which we can assess land use management strategies on society and the environment and (iii) analyzing the socio-economic impacts of different nature restoration measures at EU scale, (iv) summarizing findings in terms of both costs and benefits of nature restoration.

Your duties

• You will conduct cutting-edge research on the impact of nature restoration on terrestrial and freshwater systems, biodiversity and human impacts
• You will develop new land use modelling approaches and link with macro-economic models to better capture demands for nature, beyond those typically reported in neoclassical economic frameworks
• You will process data, analyze results and implement a range of scenarios on nature restoration
• You have to write a PhD thesis consisting of 4 scientific papers

Businesscoach / Business Developer

Jouw uitdaging

Twente is een regio vol ondernemerschap, innovatie en technologische vernieuwing. Van studenten en onderzoekers tot ervaren mkb’ers en snelgroeiende startups: overal ontstaan nieuwe ideeën en ambities. Als Businesscoach bij Novel-T speel jij een sleutelrol in het begeleiden van deze ondernemers. De nadruk in deze functie ligt op coaching: jij helpt ondernemers hun businesscase te valideren, strategische keuzes te maken en gericht te groeien.

Binnen de accelerator- en ontwikkelprogramma’s van Novel-T coach je ondernemers één-op-één én in groepsverband. Je fungeert als sparringpartner, daagt uit, brengt structuur en helpt ondernemers om hun plannen te vertalen naar concrete stappen richting markt en schaalbare groei. Daarbij maak je actief gebruik van het innovatieve ecosysteem waarin Novel-T een centrale rol vervult en verbind je ondernemers met relevante partners, kennis en financieringsmogelijkheden.

Naast coaching inspireer je deelnemers tijdens trainingen en workshops die je geeft over onderwerpen zoals marktvalidatie, klantontwikkeling, businessmodellen, teamvorming en groei. Je levert bovendien een actieve bijdrage aan de verdere ontwikkeling van programma’s, methodieken en het profiel van Novel-T als toonaangevende organisatie in ondernemerschaps- en innovatiebevordering.

Jouw rol en verantwoordelijkheden

• Begeleiden en coachen van startups, scale-ups en innovatieve mkb’ers binnen de programma’s van Novel-T.
• Fungeren als strategisch sparringpartner voor ondernemers bij validatie- en groeivraagstukken.
• Verzorgen van inspirerende trainingen, workshops en groepssessies.
• Signaleren en ontwikkelen van kansrijke businessconcepten.
• Verbinden van ondernemers met relevante marktpartijen, partners en het innovatie-ecosysteem.
• Signaleren van financieringsbehoeften en – waar nodig – begeleiden richting passende financieringsinstrumenten of investeerders.
• Bijdragen aan de ontwikkeling en doorontwikkeling van programma’s, tools en methodieken.
• Actief bijdragen aan kennisdeling binnen het team en de positionering van Novel-T in de regio en daarbuiten.

Head of Product Development/ Director Engineering

Job description

The POPCORN project aims to revolutionize semiconductor testing by developing a cutting-edge Device-Aware Testing (DAT) platform for emerging memories such as STT-MRAMs and RRAMs. By integrating physical defect modeling directly into the test flow, POPCORN enhances outgoing chip quality and reliability while optimizing overall test costs. The platform enables faster and more accurate diagnosis and yield learning, reduces in-field failures in various critical applications, and strengthens Europe’s position in the global semiconductor industry through scalable, industry-ready solutions.

Funded by the European Innovation Council (EIC) Transition program, POPCORN is designed to bridge the “valley of death” between laboratory-validated research and a market-ready industrial solution. Over the course of the project, we will advance from a TRL 4 proof-of-concept to a fully functional Minimum Viable Product (MVP): a high-performance, automated Computer-Aided Test (CAT) suite which can be seamlessly integrated into standard EDA flows. Beyond software development, a key project outcome is the establishment of the startup’s core team: a high-caliber, entrepreneurial group where domain collaborate with business-oriented professionals to create an investment-ready commercial venture.

CURRENT OPEN POSITIONS
We are expanding the POPCORN team and are seeking a motivated Head of Product Development/ Director Engineering (10+ years of experience) who are experienced in translating R&D results into robust, scalable software tools that can evolve into an MVP and eventually be integrated into major EDA ecosystems.

ROLE AND RESPONSABILITIES
The selected candidate will:

• Lead the design, architecture, and development of prototype and product versions of our semiconductor test tools.
• Translate research algorithms into production-grade, maintainable software.
• Build and manage a small high-performing engineering team (including hiring or coordinating external developers when needed).
• Ensure the tools are compatible with, or easily integrable into, existing EDA flows.
• Collaborate closely with the R&D team to prioritize features, validate the MVP, and ensure technical feasibility.
• Define and maintain the technical roadmap, oversee code quality, and manage release processes.
• Contribute to overall technology strategy and help shape the company’s long-term product direction.

Job requirements

Background

• MSc/PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science (or equivalent experience).

Experience

• 10+ years of experience in semiconductor testing, Design for Test (DFT), Automated Test Equipment (ATE), or related EDA technologies.
• Solid understanding of chip design and test flows and their integration challenges.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in C++.
• Familiarity with EDA tool APIs and data formats (e.g., Synopsys, Cadence, Siemens EDA).
• Experience in fault modeling, test and diagnosis algorithms, yield learning, software architecture, and tool integration.
• Proven track record in turning R&D outcomes into usable, scalable products.

Soft Skills

• Startup mindset: hands-on, pragmatic, and comfortable in a fast-moving, evolving environment.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making ability.
• Capable of balancing innovation and productization, maintaining focus on delivery while handling complexity.

Availability

• Immediate.

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 of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.

Head of Business Development

Job description

The POPCORN project aims to revolutionize semiconductor testing by developing a cutting-edge Device-Aware Testing (DAT) platform for emerging memories such as STT-MRAMs and RRAMs. By integrating physical defect modeling directly into the test flow, POPCORN enhances outgoing chip quality and reliability while optimizing overall test costs. The platform enables faster and more accurate diagnosis and yield learning, reduces in-field failures in various critical applications, and strengthens Europe’s position in the global semiconductor industry through scalable, industry-ready solutions.

Funded by the European Innovation Council (EIC) Transition program, POPCORN is designed to bridge the “valley of death” between laboratory-validated research and a market-ready industrial solution. Over the course of the project, we will advance from a TRL 4 proof-of-concept to a fully functional Minimum Viable Product (MVP): a high-performance, automated Computer-Aided Test (CAT) suite which can be seamlessly integrated into standard EDA flows. Beyond software development, a key project outcome is the establishment of the startup’s core team: a high-caliber, entrepreneurial group where domain collaborate with business-oriented professionals to create an investment-ready commercial venture.

CURRENT OPEN POSITIONS
We are expanding the POPCORN team and are seeking a visionary Head of Business Development (10+ years of experience) who will build the company’s business foundation, drive customer discovery, and ensure funding continuity.

ROLE AND RESPONSABILITIES
The selected candidate will:

• Develop and refine the go-to-market strategy for the company’s MVP and early product offerings.
• Foster a startup culture of innovation, agility, and operational excellence.
• Lead venture fundraising, investor relations, and M&A (Mergers and Acquisitions) initiatives, positioning the company for its next funding round within 2–3 years.
• Define and execute the growth strategy and business roadmap, ensuring alignment with technical milestones.
• Build customer-focused processes to achieve and maintain strong product–market fit.
• Help in driving customer and partner engagement with semiconductor companies, EDA vendors, IP providers, and ecosystem stakeholders.
• Monitor market trends, competitive activity, and emerging technologies to guide strategic business decisions.

Job requirements

Background

• MBA or a technical degree (e.g., Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering) with substantial business experience in semiconductors, EDA, or deep tech industries.

Experience

• 10+ years of experience in business development, product management, or corporate strategy within deep-tech environments.
• Proven track record of co-founding or scaling startups, ideally as part of a founding or leadership team that achieved successful growth or exit.
• Demonstrated success in venture fundraising, strategic partnerships, and M&A activities.
• Experience building customer-centric operations and managing global business relationships.

Technical skills

• Ability to bridge technical and commercial domains, understanding product constraints and customer requirements.
• Skilled in market analysis, competitive intelligence, and business strategy execution.
• Experience in negotiating commercial agreements, building strategic partnerships, and managing investor relations.

Soft skills

• Entrepreneurial mindset, proactive, and comfortable with uncertainty.
• Strong networking and relationship-building skills. A strong network in the semiconductor and EDA ecosystem is a plus.
• Strategic thinker who can translate market insights into actionable plans.

Availability

• Immediate.

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 of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.