PhD Position Decarbonization Dynamics of SME in the Netherlands

Contribute to the decarbonization of the Dutch economy, engage with SME entrepreneurs, and develop model-based policy recommendations to support SMEs to become climate-positive.

From the pharmaceutical company, the logistics entrepreneur to the milk powder producer, small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) play an important role in the economy and for the climate. SME represent the backbone of the Dutch economy. With a contribution of 63% greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (measured at the EU level), SME also play a major role in the transition to reach net-zero. The data and information on SME carbon emissions, decision processes, and long-term dynamics are weak in the absence of corporate social responsibility disclosure standards for SME and the high heterogeneity of SME. This research project seeks to gain an in-depth understanding of the decision context for SME in the Netherlands to decarbonize and the long-term decarbonization dynamics within the wider transition towards net-zero. The leading question is: What shapes the decarbonization dynamics of SME in the Netherlands at the company and system level?

The project pursues a research line that progresses from characterising the heterogeneity of SME and decarbonization measures, to the decision-making processes within SME, to modelling the long-term decarbonization dynamics of SME in the Netherlands. The project is structured in three main contributions and one complementary outreach format. As the selected PhD candidate, you will:

• conduct data analysis for an emission-weighted segmentation of SME and their decarbonization levers;
• investigate what determines SME executives’ decarbonization decisions;
• develop a System Dynamics model to simulate the long-term decarbonization dynamics of SME in the Netherlands.

The project is highly interdisciplinary, connecting sustainability accounting, organizational behaviour and socio-technical transition dynamics. Methods include data analysis, literature review, in-person interviews, and System Dynamics modelling. The PhD research should result in a set of policy recommendations for SME to decarbonize their businesses, and for finance institutions and governance on how to support SME’s transition to net-zero.

The supervisory team for the PhD project consists of Dr. Merla Kubli (daily supervisor) and Prof. Dr. Laurens de Vries (promotor). As a PhD candidate, you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The Doctoral Education Programme develops transferable, discipline-related and research skills and provides a platform for experience exchanges with other PhD candidates.

You will be part of the Policy Analysis section of the Department Multi-Actor Systems (MAS) and maintain close connections to the Energy & Industry section of the Department Engineering Systems and Services within TU Delft. MAS brings together expertise from policy analysis, systems engineering & simulation and organisation & governance, tackling complex socio-technical challenges such as climate change and the energy transition.

As the successful candidate, you will contribute to the intellectual environment at the Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management at TU Delft and support its teaching and knowledge transfer activities. You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and a collaborative working environment with mentorship and tailored training for professional growth.

Job requirements

The candidate…

• holds a Master’s degree in energy transition, sustainability, management or System Dynamics, or related fields (e.g., Engineering and Policy Analysis, Complex System Engineering, Sustainable Energy Technologies, System Dynamics, Industrial Ecology) or will complete such a degree before September 1st.
• is passionate about decarbonization, has a strong interest in climate and decentral energy solutions and their socio-technical dynamics in the Netherlands.

Additionally, we seek a combination of some or all of the following qualities:

• knowledge of the Dutch economy and business sector, especially SMEs, or willingness to develop this knowledge in the early phase of the PhD.
• experience with System Dynamics simulation modelling (e.g., Vensim or Stella). If not proficient, a strong interest in acquiring this skill early in the PhD, with prior experience in systems thinking and/or simulation models is desirable.
• solid basis in data analysis and interviewing skills.
• ability to work independently, engage with SME and banking executives in a professional manner, and contribute to a collaborative academic environment.
• fluency in English with strong writing skills; Dutch language proficiency is a strong plus given the Dutch context.

This PhD project focuses on company- and system-level analysis with an explicit emphasis on socio-technical systems thinking. It is not focused on electrical engineering or technical optimization. Candidates with an engineering background are welcome if they are motivated to engage with behavioral, business, and innovation perspectives on decarbonization dynamics and can demonstrate affinity for these perspectives.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency to participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, communicate effectively, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For details, please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

The PhD project is foreseen to begin on September 1st, 2026.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology combines science, engineering and design to address challenges in energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. TU Delft values diversity and strives to create an inclusive environment where you can flourish. We invite you to apply and will consider all applications fairly.

Faculty Technology, Policy & Management

The Faculty of TPM contributes to solving complex technical-social issues at the intersection of technology, society and policy through education and research. TPM integrates insights from engineering and social sciences and develops robust models and designs. Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management.

Conditions of employment
Doctoral candidates are offered a 4-year employment period, typically in two contracts: an initial 1.5-year contract with a progress assessment after 15 months, followed by a 2.5-year contract, subject to performance.

Salary and benefits follow the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 – €3881 gross per month (full-time 38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus. The TU Delft Graduate School provides supervision, mentoring and skill development. A customizable compensation package and relocation support are offered.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands? TU Delft offers relocation assistance via the Coming to Delft Service and a Dual Career Programme to support accompanying partners.

Additional information

For further information about the vacancy, contact Dr. Merla Kubli ([email protected]) and for the application procedure, contact HR Advisor Martine van de Vorst ([email protected]).

Application procedure
Applications close on 21 June 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a two-stage interview process. The start date is 1 September 2026. Required documents include: motivational letter, CV, Master’s diploma or transcript, and a writing sample. Documents may be addressed to Dr. Merla Kubli and Prof. Dr. Laurens de Vries.

Note: Online applications only. A knowledge security risk assessment is part of the recruitment process in accordance with GDPR. See the TU Delft website for details. Do not contact us with unsolicited services.

Faculty/Department: Faculty of Technology, Policy & Management • FTE: 1.0 • Submission is possible until: 21 Jun 2026