Lecturer(-researcher) Circular Cities and Communities

Sustainability is becoming an increasingly crucial aspect across all areas of society, with the transition toward Circular Cities and Communities set to be one of the key challenges of the coming decades. The international Bachelor track Circular Cities and Communities (start September 2025) aims to play a pivotal role in preparing professionals to lead this transition. Graduates of this program will be equipped to contribute to the development of circular cities and communities, particularly in complex urban transformation projects.
Our curriculum addresses key topics rooted in circular flows, processes, and design, including circular material flows, data-driven circular design strategies, circular impact assessment, value retention, democratic decision-making, and circular project management and business models. Alongside theoretical learning, we emphasize the practical application of this knowledge, preparing students for emerging roles and professions within urban transformation projects.
To support our dynamic Circular Cities and Communities education and research program, we are seeking a lecturer-researcher with experience and passion for the circular built environment. We are looking for a dedicated professional who can educate young talents in an open, entrepreneurial, and inspiring way, helping them make a meaningful impact in our region and beyond. In this role, you will contribute to developing and delivering our English-taught track (part of Bachelor Built Environment) while teaching, supervising, and coaching students. You will also engage in research and innovation projects within the Smart Urban Redesign Research Centre to further advance your knowledge and expertise.

As a lecturer-researcher, you'll guide students on their study path, community building, internships, and applied research projects helping them grow as professionals and individuals. You will work with colleagues to deliver a high-quality study program that fills you with pride. You’ll be a source of inspiration for students and a valued team player among your peers, contributing positive energy to the education of future circular experts in the built environment. While your primary focus will be on education, you will also participate in applied research projects.

What we need from you:

• A master's degree relevant to the transition toward circular cities and communities;
• Demonstrable knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas: circular material flows, data-driven circular design strategies, circular impact assessment, value retention, democratic decision-making, and circular project management and business models;
• Ability to translate this knowledge into practical interventions within the built environment;
• Proficiency in English at C1 level (Dutch language skills at NT2 level are a plus);
• Strong intercultural awareness, international experience is a plus.
• Educational (didactic) experience in both curriculum development and implementation is a plus;
• Experience with practice-oriented and design-oriented research.
• Ability to inspire students and colleagues to approach problems analytically, creatively, and innovatively;
• Project-based work experience in an international context, with excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary teams;
• A creative, open-minded, and out-of-the-box thinker.

As a lecturer-researcher, you and your colleagues (lecturer-researchers, support staff and management) will be affiliated with the School of Built Environment. You’ll contribute to the development and organisation of teaching and research in a professional, collegial and pleasant atmosphere. Together, you’ll invest in a new generation of sought-after professionals who are curious about the world of tomorrow. We value being attentive to each other and to everyone’s individual needs. After all, one of the promises of our strategy is that the human dimension always comes first.

At Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, we all work towards future-oriented and sustainable education, innovation and the development of the Meuse-Rhine Euroregion. Join a university of applied sciences where you’ll receive the attention and guidance you deserve.

For this position, we’d like to offer a one-year contract worth 0.5-1.0 FTE to start. We can discuss what suits you best. If things work out well on both sides, we’d be happy to look into the possibility of an extension.

The salary is up to scale 11 (as laid down in the Collective Agreement for Universities of Applied Sciences, CAO-HBO). Your salary scale will be based on your prior education and work experience. This means an amount of up to €6,114.87 gross per month based on full-time employment. On top of this, you’ll receive a holiday allowance of 8%, a year-end bonus of 8.3%, plenty of holidays, professionalisation and sustainable career deployment hours and a comprehensive vitality offer.
Internal candidates will have their current terms and conditions of employment respected.

Would you like more information? Do you have any questions? We’d love to hear from you!
Is there something you’d like to discuss before applying? No problem. Please feel free to contact John van Oorschot, Senior Lecturer of the Built Environment program, on +316-28744722 or at john.vanoorschot@zuyd.nl.

Are your qualities at home at Zuyd?
Simply respond by leaving your details on this website. If you know someone else who’d be just right for this position, let them know about this vacancy. That way, you could make us both very happy. Thanks in advance.

Please note that we’ll only consider responses submitted through our site. Responses sent directly to the contact person will not be considered.

Don’t delay!
This vacancy will close on 17 October. We look forward to receiving your application before that date.

Selection interviews will be held during the week of 28 October till 1 November.

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated."