Junior Researcher

Job description

The Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment at Delft University of Technology seeks a researcher to work in the transdisciplinary European project Re-Growth, supervised by Professor Mauro Overend and Assistant Professor Olga Ioannou. The project, funded by the NEB-Horizon Europe research program, aims to develop and validate novel bio‑fabricated construction materials that combine regenerative design, aesthetic quality, and environmental performance, bridging biotechnology, digital design, and societal participation to accelerate the transition toward circular, inclusive, and beautiful built environments.

Your researcher role will focus on developing structural bio-fabricated polymer composites, reinforced laminates, and sandwich panels using microbial extracellular polymeric substances derived from wastewater as a binding material. The materials will be functionalized for load-bearing floors, facades, and wall elements. Research will explore how the composites perform against structural, thermal, acoustic, fire, health, durability, and aesthetic requirements under variable climatic conditions following EU standards.

Additional considerations will include repairability, integration into existing waste systems, and realistic scalability.

• Establishing a participatory, transdisciplinary framework uniting architecture, design, engineering, social sciences, and the arts to co-create next-generation bio-fabricated materials through workshops, consultations with a community of practice and a transdisciplinary board.
• Experimenting and validating composite materials that combine sustainability, aesthetics, and functionality, including engineering, design and multi-scale characterization of properties.
• Organising focus groups, design reviews and open studios to enhance societal acceptance and use survey results to optimise formulations, finishes, and application awareness.
• Crafting scaled models and building a selected number of 1:1-scale demonstrators to test and validate desirability.
• Exploring mass-scale feasibility and CE market readiness to address regulatory and societal barriers to adoption through a digital and robotic manufacturing framework.

• Doctoral dissertation or a master’s degree in Materials Engineering or Building Sciences.
• Strong interest in bio-materials and bio-fabrication.
• Experience with material processing and product design, with at least one relevant publication or a relevant thesis.
• 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.

• 3-year employment period, 38–40 hours per week.
• Salary within scale 10 steps based on experience, with a customizable compensation package, health insurance discounts, and a monthly work costs contribution.
• Flexible work schedules can be arranged.
• Preferred starting date:
  September 2026.

Final date to receive applications: 9 July 2026.

Contact: dr.ir. Olga Ioannou, e‑mail: o.ioannou.