Postdoc In Socio-Emotional Processes in Team Learning within Challenge-Based Engineering Education

Introduction
Are you excited about advancing the next generation of engineering education? Do you want to investigate how student teams navigate the socio-emotional aspects of learning while solving complex, real-world challenges? Then this 2-year postdoc position at the Department of Applied Physics and Science Education may be the perfect next step in your academic career.

Eindhoven University of Technology’s Strategy 2030 highlights a university-wide transition toward challenge-based learning (CBL) as a central educational model. At the heart of CBL are multidisciplinary student teams working on authentic, open-ended problems, requiring the ability to regulate motivation, emotions, and social interactions effectively.

Building on previous work on Socially Shared Regulation of Learning (SSRL), this postdoctoral project will focus more explicitly on socio-emotional processes in team learning, investigating how emotions, motivation, group climate, and interpersonal regulation shape learning and performance in engineering multidisciplinary student teams. The project offers opportunities for collaboration with other ongoing research projects on team learning in CBL, while allowing the postdoc to develop their own research line within this broader theme.

Project Focus
This Postdoc research aims to:

• Advance theoretical and empirical understanding of socio-emotional processes and team regulation in engineering student teams working within CBL environments.
• Identify mechanisms and team conditions that foster productive collaboration, resilience, and shared regulation under demanding situations.
• Contribute to methodological innovation to study socio-emotional and regulatory processes (e.g., multimodal data, process-oriented analyses).

The project allows significant room for the postdoctoral researcher to refine the specific research questions, develop new methodological approaches, and pursue collaborations within the department.

Job Description
As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you will:

• Lead the development of theoretical and conceptual contributions on socio-emotional processes in team learning.
• Design and carry out empirical studies using quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-method approaches.
• Develop or refine assessment instruments, observational frameworks, or analytic methodologies for capturing socio-emotional and regulatory processes in teams.
• Publish high-quality academic papers in international journals and present findings at leading conferences.
• Support and collaborate with PhD students and other researchers working on related topics.
• Contribute to the vibrant research community in educational innovation at TU/e.

The Department of Applied Physics and Science Education is a research-driven department housing high-quality educational programs, all featuring strong connections between research and education. Our research is clustered in three focal areas: Fluids, Bio and Soft Matter (FBSM); Plasmas and Beams (PB); and Nano, Quantum and Photonics (NQP). Our shared ambition is to equip the next generation of ‘engineers of the future’ with the knowledge and the skills they will need to impact science, innovation, and society, from regional to global scales.

Job Requirements

• A PhD degree in educational sciences, psychology, learning sciences, engineering education, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated expertise in researching team learning, socio-emotional processes, regulation of learning, or related areas, evidenced by publications, dissertation work, or conference presentations.
• Strong methodological skills, such as experience with process-oriented or multimodal analyses, qualitative coding of interactions, mixed-methods research.
• Affinity with or interest in higher education innovation and/or engineering education.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team while contributing to a collaborative research environment.
• Strong academic writing and communication skills.
• Proactive, creative, and analytically strong mindset.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

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:

• Full-time employment for 2 years.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. € 4,241 max. € 5,538).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and a compensation for moving expenses.

About us
Eindhoven University of Technology is a leading international university within the Brainport region 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.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Dr Karolina Doulougeri, k.i.doulougeri@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR Services, hrservices.apse@tue.nl.

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

Application
We invite you to submit a complete application using the apply-button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.
• A statement of research intent (500–800 words) in which you outline your envisioned contribution to the study of socio-emotional processes in team learning. This statement should describe the theoretical perspective you plan to build on, the central aims or direction of your proposed work, and the methodological approach you consider adopting. Applicants are encouraged to articulate their own focus and research trajectory within this broader theme.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. Deadline for applications 29th of December 2025. Selected applicants will be notified at the latest by 9th of January 2026. Interviews with selected candidates will be conducted on Friday 16th of January 2026.

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.

Postdoc In Socio-Emotional Processes in Team Learning within Challenge-Based Engineering Education

As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you will:

• Lead the development of theoretical and conceptual contributions on socio-emotional processes in team learning.
• Design and carry out empirical studies using quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-method approaches.
• Develop or refine assessment instruments, observational frameworks, or analytic methodologies for capturing socio-emotional and regulatory processes in teams.
• Publish high-quality academic papers in international journals and present findings at leading conferences.
• Support and collaborate with PhD students and other researchers working on related topics.
• Contribute to the vibrant research community in educational innovation at TU/e.

The Department of Applied Physics and Science Education is a research-driven department housing high-quality educational programs, all featuring strong connections between research and education. Our research is clustered in three focal areas: Fluids, Bio and Soft Matter (FBSM); Plasmas and Beams (PB); and Nano, Quantum and Photonics (NQP). Our shared ambition is to equip the next generation of ‘engineers of the future’ with the knowledge and the skills they will need to impact science, innovation, and society, from regional to global scales.

Project Officer

Introduction
Are you passionate about scientific research and technology? And are you excited about navigating the intricate world of funding and helping researchers achieve their goals? If your answer is a resounding "yes" to these questions, we want to hear from you! Let's connect and explore how we can collaborate to make a difference in the world of research.

Job Description
As a joint Project Officer, you will be engaged in a diverse range of activities related to research funding acquisition, proposal and project development, strategic thinking to meet industrial needs, and providing support to a wide variety of researchers. In your role as a project officer, you will assist researchers in identifying attractive funding opportunities, refining their research ideas, and funding strategy, coordinating (inter-)national consortia, linking researchers' competencies with industry needs, and articulating their research vision with clarity and precision. You will collaborate closely with researchers from the Mechanical Engineering department and other departments involved in the Cyber-Physical/High-tech Systems Center, as well as industrial fellows, other project officers in the department and the center and colleagues in supporting roles such as finance, legal, and HR.

It is important to mention that the project officers fulfil an important linking role between the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Cyber-Physical/High-tech Systems Center. You will work 50% at this center and 50% at the Department of ME.

As a project officer, you play a crucial role in guiding researchers using a bottom-up approach to grow as professionals, connecting them with key stakeholders, and securing funding to support their research. This provides ample room, freedom, and opportunities for you to shape and mold your role, as well as space for personal development and growth. Your daily activities will include:

• You will be responsible for identifying funding opportunities and working closely with scientific staff to acquire external research funding from national and international (European) funding bodies or industry partners.
• Provide support in crafting persuasive proposals that maximize the chances of success while ensuring overall proposal quality.
• Monitor and analyze calls for projects, attend networking events, identify project opportunities, contribute to project proposals, manage proposal submission processes, and oversee contract negotiations.
• Identify the needs of researchers and connect them with relevant industry opportunities in the Eindhoven area, and beyond.
• Building and maintaining networks with (1) potential research partners/consortia, (2) funding institutions, (3) scientists within ME and other departments of TU/e.
• Support the relevant groups in the ME department, in particular the CST and DC sections, in building up researcher propositions.
• Forging consortia (involving both academic and industrial partners) for research proposals.
• Manage and organize meetings, ensuring effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders.

Job Requirements

• A Master's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (or other relevant Engineering degree), with prior research experience.
• Fluent in English (both oral and written), and preferably with knowledge of Dutch and/or other European languages.
• Keen interest in cyber-physical systems, high-tech mechatronic equipment, systems and control, and the associated funding landscape, with experience or interest in grant writing.
• Experience with Horizon Europe and national projects, particularly in dealing with (inter)national Project Officers (POs) or policy makers.
• In-depth knowledge of industrial and relevant stakeholders in the Eindhoven area.
• Proven experience in working with scientists in a research-intensive environment.

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
An exciting position within an international yet personal university https://www.tue.nl/en/our-university . You are right at the frontier of research and innovation at TU/e, on a green and vibrant campus within walking distance of the central station. You will find varied workplaces and excellent sports facilities. We also offer you:

• A monthly salary of minimum €3,546 to maximum €7,297 for full-time employment, depending on your knowledge and experience (scale 10, 11 or 12 collective labour agreementfor Dutch Universities).
• In addition to holiday allowance, a structural end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
• 41 paid holiday at a fulltime 40 hours workweek.
• 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.
• Scope for your talent with advancement prospects and excellent development opportunities such as mentoring, workshops and coaching.
• Partially paid parental leave and allowance for commuting expenses, working from home and the internet.
• A generous employer contribution to the favorable ABP pension plan.

About us
Eindhoven University of Technology is a leading international university within the Brainport region 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.

About HTSC and ME

The High-tech Systems Center (formerly known as the Cyber-Physical System Center, CPSC) focusses on empowering the development of semiconductor equipment (e.g., wafer scanners) and other high-tech mechatronic equipment (printers, electron microscopes, wire bonders, pick-and-place machines, etc.) with systems engineering technology to tame their unprecedented system complexity. HTSC focusses on fundamental research and equipment design and develops new concepts to help industry with increasing extreme system performance (productivity, accuracy, resilience( under extremely well-controlled physical conditions (pressure, temperature).

The department of Mechanical Engineering (https://www.tue.nl/en/our-university/departments/mechanical-engineering) performs top-notch research and education in the areas of

• Dynamical Systems Design (DSD), focused on systems, dynamics and control
• Computational and Experimental Mechanics (CEM), focused on mechanics and materials
• Thermo Fluids Engineering (TFE), focused on heat and flow

Particularly relevant to CPSC are the activities on control engineering, dynamics, control theory, systems engineering, mechanical construction, acoustics, mechanics and materials, identification and dynamical modelling, cyber-physical systems with applications in high-tech mechatronic systems, robotics, automated driving and mobility, precision agriculture, energy systems including geo-thermal energy and nuclear fusion, medical systems (hyperthermia treatments for improving cancer care, mechanical ventilation systems, surgery robotics, etc.) We work on widely disseminating our results, so partners in our extensive national, European and world-wide network can apply them in their product and processes.

More information
For more information about this vacancy you can contact Euflex, Ceciel Gijsbers, cgijsbers@tue.nl , 06-51164692.

A more detailed job description is available upon request.

Application
If you are interested, please use the ‘apply’ button at https://www.euflex.nl/vacatures/project-officer-me-cb-htsc/ to send us your CV and letter of application with your motivation and a description of your qualifications.

Screening of candidates begins as soon as applications are received and continues until the position is filled. Where applicable, internal candidates will be given priority over external candidates where they are equally suitable.

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.
• Important for non-EU applicants: Please be aware that for this position, specific residence permit requirements apply. If you are a non-EU national, you may not be eligible to legally work in this role under current Dutch immigration regulations. We strongly advise you to contact our Staff Immigration Team (staffimmigration@tue.nl) before applying to check your eligibility and to receive further guidance.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

Project Officer

As a joint Project Officer, you will be engaged in a diverse range of activities related to research funding acquisition, proposal and project development, strategic thinking to meet industrial needs, and providing support to a wide variety of researchers. In your role as a project officer, you will assist researchers in identifying attractive funding opportunities, refining their research ideas, and funding strategy, coordinating (inter-)national consortia, linking researchers' competencies with industry needs, and articulating their research vision with clarity and precision. You will collaborate closely with researchers from the Mechanical Engineering department and other departments involved in the Cyber-Physical/High-tech Systems Center, as well as industrial fellows, other project officers in the department and the center and colleagues in supporting roles such as finance, legal, and HR.

It is important to mention that the project officers fulfil an important linking role between the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Cyber-Physical/High-tech Systems Center. You will work 50% at this center and 50% at the Department of ME.

As a project officer, you play a crucial role in guiding researchers using a bottom-up approach to grow as professionals, connecting them with key stakeholders, and securing funding to support their research. This provides ample room, freedom, and opportunities for you to shape and mold your role, as well as space for personal development and growth. Your daily activities will include:

• You will be responsible for identifying funding opportunities and working closely with scientific staff to acquire external research funding from national and international (European) funding bodies or industry partners.
• Provide support in crafting persuasive proposals that maximize the chances of success while ensuring overall proposal quality.
• Monitor and analyze calls for projects, attend networking events, identify project opportunities, contribute to project proposals, manage proposal submission processes, and oversee contract negotiations.
• Identify the needs of researchers and connect them with relevant industry opportunities in the Eindhoven area, and beyond.
• Building and maintaining networks with (1) potential research partners/consortia, (2) funding institutions, (3) scientists within ME and other departments of TU/e.
• Support the relevant groups in the ME department, in particular the CST and DC sections, in building up researcher propositions.
• Forging consortia (involving both academic and industrial partners) for research proposals.
• Manage and organize meetings, ensuring effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders.

PhD on Computational modeling, optimization, and systems engineering for battery systems

Introduction
We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate with a strong background in computational modeling, optimization, and systems engineering, eager to develop advanced design and simulation frameworks for battery pack topology and e-powertrain integration in collaboration with leading industry partners.

Job Description
Batteries are central to the sustainable energy transition, powering electric vehicles and improving grid utilization. Unlocking their full potential requires deeper insight into battery design, behavior, aging, safety, and efficiency. This PhD project develops advanced methods for battery pack design and optimization in electric powertrains, focusing on purpose-driven topology design (optimizing cell and module arrangement for performance) and vertical integration (seamless integration into vehicle architecture). You will create automated simulation frameworks combining electro-thermal-mechanical models for fast charging and robust performance. A key goal is a hierarchical design environment (cell → module → pack → vehicle) enabling flexible, automated workflows. The research addresses challenges such as battery pack topology optimization and integration of e-powertrain components (motor, inverter, onboard charger). The outcome will be a universal tool for early-stage system definition, including cell selection, arrangement, battery sizing, lifetime estimation, and modularity strategies (standardization and interchangeability across applications). Collaboration with leading industry partners ensures validation and practical impact.

The research will take under the umbrella of the project “Development of the Dutch CIrcular Manufacturing industry and BATTery value chain for heavy duty mobility” (CIMBATT), which is part of an 8-year program on circular battery technology. The project aims to develop new-generation innovative and circular battery packs for heavy-duty trucks, busses, mobile machines, maritime and aviation applications, focusing on battery module design and battery management system design. The group will collaborate with the leading stakeholders in the Dutch battery ecosystem to develop and demonstrate the next-generation algorithms and models for the future Battery Management System.

The PhD student will work on topics related to:

• Develop algorithms for battery pack topology optimization considering energy/power density, thermal safety, and functional constraints.
• Create parameterized electro-thermo-mechanical simulation models for optimal vertical integration of battery packs into vehicles.
• Design hierarchical optimization frameworks (cell → module → pack → vehicle) for automated and flexible integration.
• Investigate modularity strategies and conceptual design approaches for diverse applications.
• Collaborate with industrial partners to benchmark and validate TU/e tools using real-world pack designs.
• Deliver a universal simulation tool for initial system definition and layout of E-powertrain components.

Besides conducting research, you will also contribute to the educational programs in which the group is active by assisting in our course program as well as co-supervision of BSc and MSc students. This will allow developing indispensable skills.

Job Requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Systems and Control, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or equivalent
• Strong knowledge of computational modeling and simulation (electro-thermal-mechanical systems)
• Experience with optimization algorithms and design automation
• An interest in battery systems, powertrain architectures, or energy storage technologies
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, or similar tools
• A research-oriented attitude
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level)

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:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

About us
Eindhoven University of Technology is a leading international university within the Brainport region 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.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering department conducts world-class research aligned with the technological interests of the high-tech industry in the Netherlands, with a focus on the Brainport region. Our goal is to produce engineers who are both scientifically educated and application-driven by providing a balanced education and research program that combines fundamental and application aspects. We equip our graduates with practical and theoretical expertise, preparing them optimally for future challenges.
Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Theo Hofman, Full professor, t.hofman@tue.nl or +31 40 247 2827.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HRServices.ME@tue.nl.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

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

Application
We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

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.