EngD in Digital Textile Ecosystem Identification and Orchestration at Eindhoven University of Technology

About the opportunity

Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) offers a two-year EngD position focused on making textile production digital, circular, and scalable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). As an EngD trainee within the Department of Industrial Design, you will build labeled image datasets with repair and sorting partners, and train computer vision and machine learning models to classify clothing damage, condition, and material. You will combine these assessments with product passport, manufacturing, and environmental impact data into decision models that route used garments to repair, reuse, resale, remanufacturing, or recycling. Operating in a collaborative public-private field lab with industry partners and the Dutch Textile Campus, your work will help SMEs meet European producer responsibility rules and turn textile waste into a sustainable resource.

Salary and benefits

• Full-time employment for two years with Eindhoven University of Technology.
• Gross monthly salary of €3,173 in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (Scale TOIO).
• 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus calculated on the annual gross base salary.
• Standard 29 days of leave per year on a 38-hour working week, expandable to 41 days with two extra hours worked per week.
• Participation in the ABP pension scheme, with TU/e paying 70% of the premium.
• High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics, research, and valorization.
• Unlimited access to the on-campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• Free 24/7 mental health and wellbeing support through OpenUp for you and your family.
• Partially paid parental leave and allowances for commuting, working from home, and internet costs.
• Access to the TU/e Postdoc Association, staff immigration support, a tax compensation scheme (Expat Scheme), and moving expense reimbursement.

Who can apply?

• Hold a master's degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Industrial Design or a related field.
• Demonstrate a design-oriented attitude.
• Possess the ability to work in a team and show a strong interest in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Be fluent in spoken and written English.

Required documents

• A cover letter describing your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• A curriculum vitae including a list of publications and contact information for three references.
• Copies of relevant Bachelor of Science and Master of Science diplomas and grade transcripts.
• The result of an English proficiency test such as IELTS or TOEFL.

When to apply

• The vacancy was published on October 20, 2026.
• The application deadline is November 20, 2026.

How to apply

• Prepare all required application documents, including your motivation letter, CV, academic diplomas and transcripts, and English test scores.
• Submit your complete application online using the official apply button on the vacancy portal.
• Ensure all requested materials are included, as incomplete applications may not be considered.

Additional information

• Applications sent by email or post will not be processed.
• A pre-employment screening, such as a knowledge security check, may be conducted as part of the selection procedure in accordance with National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• For inquiries regarding the position, contact hiring manager Troy Nachtigall via T.R.Nachtigall@tue.nl or HR Services ID via HRServices.ID@tue.nl.