PhD Position 2026 at TU Delft: Co-creating Circular Business Models and Services for E-Bikes and Home Appliances

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Netherlands invites applications for a fully funded PhD position focused on developing innovative circular business models and product-service systems (PSS) that promote repair, refurbishment, and reuse of e-bikes and home appliances. This interdisciplinary research project offers an exciting opportunity for candidates interested in sustainability, circular economy, consumer behavior, and innovation.

Position Details

Position: PhD Candidate

Research Title: Co-creating Circular Business Models and Services for E-Bikes and Home Appliances

Institution: Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)

Location: Delft, Netherlands

About the Research Project

The PhD project aims to address the growing challenge of unsustainable consumption by developing circular business models that encourage consumers to repair, reuse, and refurbish products rather than replace them.

The research is motivated by new European sustainability initiatives such as:

Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR)
Right to Repair Directive

The project focuses on two major product categories in the Netherlands:

E-bikes (Primary Case Study)
Home Appliances (particularly washing machines)

The research seeks to understand why consumers replace products prematurely and how businesses can create attractive circular service models that benefit both consumers and companies.

Research Objectives

The selected PhD candidate will investigate the following key research questions:

How can circular business propositions be co-created to make repair, reuse, and refurbishment attractive for consumers while remaining economically viable for businesses?
Which behaviour-change strategies are most effective in encouraging consumers to adopt Product-Service Systems (PSS)?
How can these circular business models be tested and validated across different product categories, and what cross-sectoral lessons can be derived?

Key Responsibilities

During the PhD, the candidate will:

Co-create user-centred opportunity spaces with consumers and industry partners.
Translate behavioural insights into customer personas and user journeys.
Design innovative Product-Service Systems (PSS) for circular business models.
Conduct behavioural and market research related to sustainable consumption.
Develop and evaluate business propositions for repair, refurbishment, and reuse.
Pilot and validate circular business solutions in collaboration with firms.
Compare findings across e-bike and home appliance sectors.
Publish research findings in reputed international journals.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary researchers and external stakeholders.

Research Focus Areas

The project combines multiple disciplines, including:

Circular Economy
Sustainable Business Models
Product-Service Systems (PSS)
Consumer Behaviour
Behavioural Science
Design Thinking
Sustainability Transitions
Innovation Management
Service Design

Ideal Candidate Profile

The position is suitable for candidates with academic backgrounds in fields such as:

Business Administration
Innovation Management
Industrial Design
Sustainability Studies
Circular Economy
Consumer Behaviour
Engineering Management
Environmental Sciences
Related disciplines with an interest in sustainable innovation

Candidates with experience in behavioural research, service design, user-centred innovation, or circular economy projects will be well suited for this role.

Why Join TU Delft?

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to:

Conduct cutting-edge research at one of Europe's leading technical universities.
Work on real-world sustainability challenges with industry relevance.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary researchers and stakeholders.
Contribute to policy and business innovations supporting the circular economy.
Build expertise in sustainable business model innovation and consumer behaviour.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application through the official TU Delft recruitment portal along with all required documents as specified in the vacancy announcement.

Applicants are advised to carefully review the eligibility criteria, required documents, and application guidelines before submitting their application.

Official Source

Organization: Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)
Country: Netherlands

Candidates passionate about sustainability, circular economy, and innovative business model research are encouraged to apply for this exciting doctoral opportunity.

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PhD Position 2026 at TU Delft: Co-creating Circular Business Models and Services for E-Bikes and Home Appliances