PhD Position Communication Strategies for Critical Raw Materials in the Energy Transition

Challenge: unawareness of real material footprints

Change: communication strategies to better connect experts and public

Impact: shaping public understanding of the critical role of raw materials

Job description 

The energy transition needs a manyfold of different materials such as minerals and metals. Since on the short term the demand cannot be covered by recycling alone to a large extent these will need to be sourced via primary raw material extraction (i.e. mining, urban mining). However, even when the need for the energy transition is emphasized, the terms “mining”, and “subsurface usage” are under public scrutiny, with a rapidly polarizing discussion. A prominent example is the societal backlash currently occurring for the hydrocarbon industry. For mining in the Netherlands in particular this could become increasingly problematic, since the Netherlands, as a highly developed and urbanized country, has a high demand for metals and critical raw materials (CRMs) but little traditional local mineral resources to source them from. The use of mineral resources is a key component in the energy transition but also the basis for our current lifestyle. Obtaining them should be accompanied by clear and transparent communication. Involving all stakeholders from industry, science, governence and the general public as well as creating public understanding to avoid polarizing discussions. 

In this PhD project, a collaboration of Delft University of Technology with Sam Illingworth (professor in Science Communication at Edinburgh Napier University) and Sietske Veenmen (associate professor in Environmental Policy & Governance at Radboud University), we will inventory the differences and similarities in understanding of “mining and mineral extraction” within the scientific community and mining(-related) industry as well as in various groups of society in the Netherlands. The aim is to develop a communication strategy to clarify the key role of raw material usage within our highly developed society which has little recent exposure to raw materials. 

The PhD project is build up in several steps. First, you will determine the current knowledge and literacy about material sourcing within the Dutch society, and what are current ways of communication. Second, you will examine how this literacy relates to different perspectives and anticipated futures of society, for example by creating surveys and interviews. In the follow-up step, you will develop an outreach activity around raw material usage (and recycling) of a key technological item, for example an electric car, in collaboration with car recycling experts and educational institutions. 

Job requirements 

You are curious and love expanding your horizon and network. You have a "Let's do it" attitude with respect to communication, demonstrated by (for example) a love of organizing events, an active role within a sports club or hobby club, etc. Any previous experience with science communication and mineral/raw material resources will be a plus. In your contacts with your colleagues and your project partners you put your communication skills to good use. You enjoy mentoring and interacting with students, while growing your own skills and expertise.

You also have:
•    An MSc in a relevant subject, preferably (Science) Communication and/or in Earth Science, though (Applied) Physics or (Applied) Chemistry, or public administration, social sciences is also possible – as long as an affinity with Earth Sciences is present. 
•    Good communication skills. Learning on the job will definitely occur, but a practical mindset to problem-solving is prerequisite. 
•    Knowledge of Excel, Python and/or Matlab for data analysis, both qualitative as quantitative. 
•    Excellent analytical and social skills. 
•    A keen interest in interdisciplinary research. 
•    An excellent command of Dutch since many stakeholders are Dutch
•    A working proficiency in English, as you’ll be working in an internationally diverse community and with international partners.
Does this position spark excitement in you? If you cannot tick all the boxes yet but have profound background and passion for Earth Sciences and sustainability, we’d also like to get to know you! 
 

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 Civil Engineering and Geosciences 

The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Our research feeds into our educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource availability, urbanisation and clean water. Our research projects are conducted in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced of the importance of open science and supports its scientists in integrating open science in their research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in the following seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management. 

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences. 

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met. 

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2901 per month in the first year to € 3707 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. 

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.  

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.  

Additional information

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Tobias Schmiedel, via t.schmiedel@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 12 August 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• Motivation letter (1 page).

• Detailed CV (2 pages).

• Copies of your BSc and MSc degrees and transcripts. 

• Names and contact information of at least two relevant references. 

After the first selection, video interviews will be planned in the first week of September. 

You can address your application to Tobias Schmiedel.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements. 

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.