How do construction firms turn software into measurable business value? This PhD investigates why digital management tools succeed, stall, or fail in practice.

Job description
This PhD project investigates how construction firms realize value from construction software. The central question is how digital investments are translated into measurable business value. Rather than studying software adoption as a technical issue, the project examines value realisation as an organisational and strategic process. It focuses on the alignment between enterprise-level decision-making and project-level implementation, including tensions between standardisation and flexibility, enterprise integration and project autonomy, and strategic intent and operational use.

The research is planned to use a comparative multiple-case study design. You will conduct in-depth empirical research with construction firms undergoing digital transformation. This will include interviews with executives, IT leaders, digital transformation leads, project managers, and site teams; document and data analysis; and, where possible, on-site observation of software use in active project settings. The qualitative case study work will be complemented by a targeted survey of industry decision-makers.

The expected outcome is a better understanding of how construction firms define the business case for digital software, how they organize implementation across firm and project levels, and what distinguishes successful, partial, and failed trajectories of value realisation. It should be noted that digital software here refers to field management software and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, not product modelling software such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), although knowledge of BIM can be helpful. The project will contribute to academic debates on digital transformation, construction management, project-based organizing, and firm performance. It will also produce practical guidance for executives, project teams, and digital transformation leads seeking to make better decisions about construction software implementation.

You will be based in the Department of Management in the Built Environment at the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment, TU Delft. The project will be supervised by Daniel Hall, Eleni Papadonikolaki, and Hans Wamelink, and will be associated with the DigiConstruct Lab. The PhD will also engage with an industry sponsor – Hilti – and industry partners through regular meetings, workshops, and empirical fieldwork.

Job requirements
You should have:

• A master’s degree in construction management, civil engineering, architecture, built environment studies, management, organisation studies, information systems, innovation studies, or a related field.
• A strong interest in digital transformation, construction software, project-based organizations, and the business value of technology.
• Affinity with empirical research methods, especially qualitative case study research, interviews, observations, and document analysis.
• The ability to engage with both academic literature and industry practice.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to connect organisational, technological, and financial perspectives.
• Strong ability to work, write and speak in English. Proficiency in Dutch is an advantage but not required.
• The ability to work independently towards completion of the PhD (expected 4 years duration) while collaborating with TU Delft research community and proactively with industry practitioners.
• Experience with construction, digital tools, ERP systems, project management software, BIM, field management platforms, or software implementation is an advantage.
• Candidates are encouraged to apply, even if they do not meet all of the requirements above.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.

These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional.

Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Architecture & the Built Environment
The Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment has a leading role in education and research worldwide. The driving force behind the faculty’s success is its robust research profile combined with the energy and creativity of its student body and academic community. It is buzzing with energy, with four thousand people enthusiastically studying, working, designing, conducting research and acquiring and disseminating knowledge. Our faculty has a strong focus on 'design-oriented research’, which has given it a top position in world rankings.

Staff and students are working to improve the built environment with the help of a broad set of disciplines, including architectural design, urban planning, building technology, social sciences, process management, and geo-information science. The faculty works closely with other faculties, universities, private parties, and the public sector, and has an extensive network in the Netherlands as well as internationally.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment.

Conditions of employment
Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

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
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Daniel Hall, e-mail: d.m.hall@tudelft.nl.

For more information about the application procedure, please contact Sofie Hennekens, HR Advisor,
e-mail: recruitment-bk@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure
Please apply no later than September 8, 2026 (local Dutch time + 2 hrs) via the application button and upload the following five items:

1. Cover letter, maximum one page and 400 words, explaining your motivation for the position and your fit with the research topic.
2. CV, including education, relevant work experience, research experience, and relevant skills.
3. List of key scientific outputs. Provide a list of 1-3 three selected academic contributions, such as published papers, conference papers, master thesis work, reports, or other relevant outputs. For each selected contribution, include a short narrative (maximum 100 words) explaining why it could be relevant to this PhD position, regarding either its fit with the PhD topic or how it has developed the candidate as a researcher. Applications listing more than three academic contributions will not be considered.
4. One-minute video introduction, in which you briefly introduce yourself and explain why you are a good fit for this PhD position. The video does not need to be professionally produced. A simple recording is sufficient. Please include a link to the video in the text field or upload the video directly.
5. Contact details of two references who may be contacted later in the selection process.

The first round of interviews are planned for 15 September 2026, with a second round to occur in the two weeks following (if required).

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• 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.