PhD Position Systems Design for Resilient and Sustainable Production of Novel Protein

Interested in researching novel food proteins and their potential to ensure food security in different regions around the world? Please join this transdisciplinary research project. 

Job description 

In this project, you will investigate novel proteins as proposed solutions to the climate change threats on food security (water scarcity and increases the event of natural disaster), exacerbated by conventional food production itself (land use changes, freshwater consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions). Novel proteins involve production systems that are said to be adaptable to harsh circumstances and require substantially less resources compared to current protein sources, such as fish and livestock.

We are looking for a PhD candidate to develop a comprehensive approach to assess the potential of various novel protein technologies on their capacity to mitigate food insecurity. The focus will be on proteins from cellular agriculture and single cell proteins derived from (water-)waste streams. Novel plant protein technologies will be used as a reference case, since these have already been studied more extensively. 
The assessment will focus on two different regions: a European region and an East-African region. The different regional causes for food insecurity will be identified. A context sensitive conceptual design for inclusive value chains and associated production facilities will be developed for each of the protein types. These conceptual designs will take into account the local threats to food security, as well as provide adaptive strategies to future threats. The value chains and production systems will be developed by combining the approaches of Safe-and-Sustainable by design (artefacts) and Capability Sensitive Design (socio-economic perspectives of individuals) with Engineering Systems Design (system approach). 

These conceptual value chains can provide input to policy making on addressing food security through novel proteins and give recommendations on which type of novel protein may be most suitable in specific conditions, as well as guidelines on how the associated value chains and production facilities should be set up. Relevant issues relate to integration with local food practices, use of local resources and local acceptance of lab-grown meat, proteins derived from waste and advanced genetic techniques. 

The PhD candidate will:

• Combine qualitative and quantitative data into a comprehensive approach. This requires strong analytic skills as well as experience with mixed methods approaches (or willingness to learn).
• Travel to two different regions and do local fieldwork. This requires a flexible attitude, an open mind as well as strong organisational skills and experience with qualitative methods (or willingness to learn).
• Develop conceptual design for inclusive novel protein value chains. This requires a basic understanding of relevant technological processes and methods for conceptual design (or willingness to learn). 

This PhD position is part of the broader Climate Action Safety & Security research programme of Delft University of Technology. This programme aims to tackle climate risks by aligning promising technologies and governance, through cutting edge research and continuous interaction with relevant policy stakeholders. This particular PhD is part of the Food security flagship. Additionally the PhD candidate will collaborate with Cellular Agriculture Nederland consortium, in which groundbreaking CA technologies are being developed, as well as with the department of Civil Engineering, where single cell proteins from wastewater are applied in the Global South. The prospective candidate will work with relevant PhD candidates from both these programmes.

The candidate will be hosted by the Section Biotechnology and Society (BTS), which focusses on understanding societal aspects and translating this into responsible innovation biotechnology for sustainable development. The group is uniquely positioned in the Department of Biotechnology and leading in (inter)national programs with academic partners, iThe candidate will be supervised by Lotte Asveld, Josh Flack and Mar Palmeros Parada. 

Job requirements 

• Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as Industrial Ecology, Innovation Science, Sustainability Science or a related field.
• Preferably a combined background in food technology or biotechnology and any of the above mentioned disciplines. A master’s degree in one of these subjects is also possible, if combined with a demonstrable affinity with the other disciplines.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Good organisational skills.
• Research experience and writing skills demonstrated through a thesis, publications, or previous research projects.
• Fluent in English.

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 Applied Sciences 

With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we educate innovative students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers. 

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences. 

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 Dr. Lotte Asveld, via l.asveld@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 22 June 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV (with three professional references).
• Motivational letter.
• Writing example.

You can address your application to Dr. Lotte Asveld.

First round of interview is scheduled on June 30. Ideal starting date is September 1.

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.