Postdoc Researcher: IDEE Teaching and Learning in the Age of AI

Are you curious about the role of AI in the future of education? Join us as a postdoctoral researcher and help shape our understanding of meaningful learning in the age of AI. 

Job description 

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is looking for a postdoctoral researcher on the topic of “Teaching and Learning in the Age of AI” within the Innovation for Delft Engineering Education (IDEE) initiative. This project focuses on how we, as a university, can respond to the rise of AI in the learning process. What does AI mean for the way we teach and learn? How can meaningful learning be redefined in today’s AI-enabled educational landscape?

The project aims to (1) develop a theoretical framework of constructive alignment for AI-rich teaching environments; (2) identify which patterns of student-AI interactions lead to deep/surface learning; (3) create, implement and evaluate guidelines and knowledgebase for teachers to design and integrate AI in their courses; and (4) create an engaged community around teaching and learning in the age of AI.

The project team consists of a PhD candidate, two postdoctoral researchers, research assistants, an educational advisor, and an interfaculty team of researchers and educators. For the postdoctoral position, we are seeking a highly motivated and talented researcher, with a keen eye for strong research designs.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will:

• Conduct a structured literature review on meaningful learning and AI in education.
• Develop and evaluate a theoretical framework for constructive alignment in AI-supported learning environments.
• Design and implement qualitative and quantitative research (e.g., surveys, interviews, focus groups,or experiments) involving students, educators, and policymakers.  
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to gather data and validate the framework.
• Contribute to the development of guidelines and policy recommendations.

Envisioned Outputs:

• Peer-reviewed publications on pedagogical theory, framework development, and framework validation.
• A validated model for constructive alignment in AI-enabled education.
• Guidelines for designing learning objectives, teaching activities, and assessments in the age of AI.
• TU-wide recommendations for AI integration in engineering education. 

Job requirements 

You have / can demonstrate:

• PhD in Educational Science, Learning Sciences, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Engineering Education, Human Computer Interaction or a related field with a demonstrated focus on education, learning, or human behavior.
• AI literacy.
• Familiarity, affinity and preferably experience with engineering education (research).
• Strong interest in educational innovation and technology.
• Experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 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 Technology, Policy and Management

The Faculty of TPM provides an important contribution to solving complex technical-social issues, such as energy transition, mobility, digitalisation, water management and (cyber) security. TPM does this with its excellent education and research at the intersection of technology, society and policy. We combine insights from both engineering and social sciences as well as the humanities. TPM develops robust models and designs, is internationally oriented and has an extensive network of knowledge institutions, companies, social organisations and governments.
 

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management.

Conditions of employment 

• Duration of contract is 2 years.
• A job of 36-40 hours per week. 

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. 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

This postdoctoral position is part of the Initiative on Innovation in Delft Engineering Education (IDEE). IDEE is a interfaculty program for innovations and research in engineering education for degree programs at TU Delft. This PD project is one of the research projects within IDEE at TU Delft. The candidate will work in close vicinity of the other IDEE PhD and PD candidates, supported by Scientific Expert and the TU Delft Teaching Academy. Learn more about IDEE via https://www.tudelft.nl/teachingacademy/idee.

TU Delft Teaching Academy

The Teaching Academy is the network for and by lecturers of TU Delft with the mission to collaboratively enhance engineering education and drive education innovations across faculty boundaries.
Learn more about the Teaching Academy via https://www.tudelft.nl/teachingacademy.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Aleksandrina Ralcheva, email: a.a.ralcheva@tudelft.nl.
For information about the selection procedure, please contact the recruitment team, email: recruitment-tbm@tudelft.nl.  

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 9 January 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• Your CV (please include all your published and unpublished research output, and the names and contact details of at least two references who may be contacted at a later stage of the procedure).

• A cover letter.

• One or two academic papers (can be published or unpublished work, or a (two) chapter(s) of your disseratation).

You can address your application to Aleksandrina Ralcheva.

For more information about this vacancy, please email recruitment-tbm@tudelft.nl.

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.
• As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.