Innovation & Market Researcher – Nature- Solutions; NBS FTE

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

We are an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands‑on attitude.

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

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:

• Customer Discovery & Market Analysis: Conduct structured interviews and map out Decision‑Making Units (DMUs) across private developers and municipal departments. Focus on understanding where 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.
• Parametric NBS Library Development: Translate scientific literature and empirical data into a standardized database of Nature‑Based Solutions (NBS). 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. Catalog financial catalysts, such as municipal green funds or private banking subsidies for biobased materials, to directly support return‑on‑investment (ROI) modelling.

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.

• 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.

• 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 favourable 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 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 favourable ABP pension plan.

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.

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact the hiring manager, Shahryar Ershad Sarabi, Assistant Professor, s.e.sarabi

• Type of employment: Temporary position
• Contract type: Full time
• Salary: Scale 10
• Number of positions: 1
• Full‑time equivalent: 0.2 FTE
• City: Eindhoven
• Country: Netherlands
• Reference number: 2026/402
• Published:
• Last application date: