EngD position: Developing Information Management Infrastructure for Integrated Product Lifecycle Management of Modular Construction

Job title:

EngD position: Developing Information Management Infrastructure for Integrated Product Lifecycle Management of Modular Construction

Company:

Universiteit Twente

Job description

Hours38 hr.Salary indicationSalary gross/monthly
based on full-time€ 2,618Deadline19 Aug 2024The ContextThe modular housing concept tries to shift the construction paradigm from engineering-to-order (ETO) production processes to configure-to-order. This, however, would require adoption of a product platform approach. One of the main requirements of this transition is to establish an integrated approach towards lifecycle information management. In other words, information regarding the products, the processes and the supply chains should be standardized and stored in information libraries to streamline the efficient (re)use of information within and across different projects/organization. However, while standard protocols and agreements are required to ensure a solid approach for creating, storing, (re)using, sharing and linking information in modular construction projects, such an approach is missing. At the moment, information is fragmented, i.e., internal and external stakeholders use their own software applications and protocols to create and store information, making it challenging to (re)use, share and link this information within projects and across the supply chain.The ChallengePrevious research looked into the development of a comprehensive ontology for industrialised construction with the intention to streamline lifecycle data integration and to reduce fragmented data management. Nevertheless, these conceptual ontologies, i.e., data models, need to be mapped and retrofitted to the specific characteristics of individual users considering their specific needs and use cases. In other words, the introduction of an ontology into the data management of a specific company requires a dedicated implementation strategy.One of the major contractors in the Netherlands that is busy with the modular housing is Heijmans. Heijmans has several modular housing concepts. These concepts are well suited for industrialized production methods. However, with a vision to achieve integrated product lifecycle management, Heijmans is willing to take a concrete step into the integration and implementation of an ontological approach into their modular construction concepts and projects. However, this would require further customization and incorporation of the ontology into Heijmans processes.ObjectiveThe main objective of this EngD project is to develop a modular construction ontology (i.e., validate and refine the ontology developed in previous research) and an implementation strategy for the context of Heijmans modular timber construction concepts. This implementation strategy includes several – increasingly advanced – use cases and a roadmap. You will also investigate how Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) concepts from the manufacturing industry can be adapted for application in modular construction. Subsequently, we will examine what this means for the information needs, the ontology, and the usage scenarios.Your profile

• We are looking for an enthusiastic, professional, and ambitious graduate master’s student
• You hold a master’s degree in the field of Civil, Industrial Engineering, or Computer Science
• You have a strong interest in design and multidisciplinary assignments
• A background in information systems, enterprise architecture and ontological development is required
• Affinity with the modular construction industry is a plus
• You have the ambition and talent to accelerate in finding solutions/crafting designs for complex civil technological issues with a multidisciplinary character.
• You have a strong capacity for independent problem-solving, creative thinking, and a hands-on attitude.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team of researchers and collaborate effectively with other experts as needed for the project.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English is required
• Knowledge of the Dutch language is a great plus

Our offer

• A very challenging position for two years.
• A tailor made post-master design programme that has an educational component (50%) as well as a design project (50%).
• On successfully completing the program, you will receive a certified and recognized degree. You will be entitled to use the academic degree Professional Doctorate in Engineering (EngD) and will be registered as a Technological Designer in the Dutch register kept by the Royal Institution of Engineers in the Netherlands (KIVINIRIA).
• A salary of € 2.618,– gross per month.
• There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
• A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.

Information and applicationIf you have any further questions about this vacancy of the PDEng programme in Civil Engineering, please contact Prof. Arjen Adriaanse at a.m.adriaanse@utwente.nl or Farid Vahdati at f.vahdatikhaki@utwente.nl or telephone: 053 489 5886.You can upload your application through the button below before August 20, 2024.Please send your application, with a curriculum vitae, a list with grades of courses attended, references and, if applicable, a list of publications you may have done.The first interviews will be held in the last week of August.Share this vacancyAbout the organisationThe Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) engages in education and research of Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering. We enable society and industry to innovate and create value using efficient, solid and sustainable technology. We are part of a ‘people-first’ university of technology, taking our place as an internationally leading center for smart production, processes and devices in five domains: Health Technology, Maintenance, Smart Regions, Smart Industry and Sustainable Resources. Our faculty is home to about 2,900 Bachelor’s and Master’s students, 550 employees and 150 PhD candidates. Our educational and research programmes are closely connected with UT research institutes Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Center and Digital Society Institute.Want to know moreVahdatikhaki, F. (Farid)
Associate ProfessorVahdatikhaki, F. (Farid)
Associate ProfessorDo you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Farid for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.

Expected salary

€2618 per month

Location

Enschede, Overijssel

Job date

Sat, 27 Jul 2024 01:21:19 GMT

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