Looking for an academic career in the philosophy of technology? The Ethics and Philosophy of Technology Section of Delft University of Technology is looking for a new colleague who would like to develop an academic career with a strong focus on education.

The Ethics and Philosophy of Technology Section (EPT) plays a central role worldwide in research and education on ethics and philosophy of technology. The EPT Section strives for academic and educational excellence in combination with societal impact while cherishing diversity, inclusivity, social safety and a healthy work-life balance.

The research of the section covers a broad spectrum, ranging from applied research in collaboration with engineering scholars, experimental and empirical ethics in collaboration with social scientists, and foundational research in meta-ethics, risk theory, methodology, ontology and philosophy of science, technology and design. The Section has a strong tradition in philosophy of engineering methodology, design for values, risk ethics, and responsible innovation, but also strongly encourages the development of novel approaches.

The EPT section (https://www.tudelft.nl/tbm/onze-faculteit/afdelingen/values-technology-and-innovation/sections/ethics-philosophy-of-technology) is looking for an Assistant Professor (academic career track). The focus of this position will be on education in the domain of the philosophy of technology and engineering. It will consist of 60% teaching, 20% research, and 20% management.

The EPT Section has developed a unique approach to teaching engineering and design methodologies. We teach PhD-, master-, and bachelor students from a broad range of engineering programs of TU Delft (https://www.tudelft.nl/ethics/ethics/teaching-activities/philosophy-of-technology). The candidate for this position will be expected to contribute to these educational activities and their further development. The candidate has proven skills in teaching and supervising students. All academic staff members in our Section are expected to contribute to managerial tasks. The candidate should be prepared to work in a multidisciplinary environment.

The Ethics and Philosophy of Technology section is one of three sections within the Department of Values, Technology and Innovation (VTI), which focuses on the value dimension of the study of sociotechnical systems through the lenses of values, systems and governance, the overarching research theme of the Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management (TPM). TPM studies and contributes to sustainable solutions for technical challenges in society by combining the insights from engineering with the humanities and the social sciences.

We are looking for applicants with the following qualifications:

• PhD degree in philosophy, preferably with a specialization in the philosophy of technology or related fields in e.g. applied ethics or philosophy of science, or a willingness to expand their expertise into philosophy of technology.
• Relevant teaching experience.
• Candidates who also have teaching and/or research experience in critical thinking or engineering methodology are especially urged to apply.
• Strong commitment to teaching philosophy of technology to engineering students and to contributing to the innovation as well as management of education.
• Possession of UTQ degree (university teaching qualification) or willingness to obtain this degree.
• Excellent English skills.
• Proficiency of Dutch or willingness to acquire it.
• Experience with online education or willingness to acquire it.
• Flexibility and readiness to work in teams.

Next to these requirements, expertise in the following areas would be favourable:

• Expertise in or experience with engineering research

and/or

• Expertise in non-Western and feminist approaches

and/or

• Expertise in another relevant discipline (natural or social sciences etc.)

We cherish a diverse and inclusive working environment and aim to further diversify our field, so we especially encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.     

Fixed-term contract: 18 months.

This position is offered as an Academic Career Track position (0.8 – 1.0 FTE). During the Academic Career Track, we expect you to grow towards an Associate Professor position within a maximum of eight years, for which a position will be available. With other Academic Career Track colleagues, you will participate in the Academic Career Track Development programme, where you are offered ample opportunities to develop yourself in the areas of Education, Research, Societal Impact & Innovation, and Leadership & Organisation. You will regularly discuss your development and results with senior staff based on a personalized development plan and performance criteria agreed upon at the start of your Academic Career Track. You will start with a temporary contract that will be converted to a permanent contract no later than 12 -18 months after a positive evaluation, based on continuous confidence in your development potential and fit in the organisation.

Inspiring, excellent education is our central aim. We expect you to obtain a University Teaching Qualification (UTQ) within three years if you have less than five years of teaching experience. This is provided by the TU Delft UTQ programme as part of the Academic Career Track Development programme.

TU Delft sets high standards for the English competency of the teaching staff. The TU Delft offers training to improve English competency. If you do not speak Dutch, we offer courses to learn the Dutch language within three years.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged and you can work partly from home.

From 1 September next, a salary increase of 3.7% applies due to a Collective Agreement amendment, followed by an additional 1% increase on 1 January 2025. In addition, most employees employed on 1 September 2024 will receive a one-off payment of €300 gross based on full-time employment.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service addresses the needs of new international employees and those of their partners and families. The Coming to Delft Service offers personalised assistance during the preparation of the relocation, finding housing and schools for children (if applicable). In addition, a Dual Career Programme for partners is offered. The Coming to Delft Service will do their best to help you settle in the Netherlands.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Technology, Policy and Management

The Faculty of TPM provides an important contribution to solving complex technical-social issues, such as energy transition, mobility, digitalisation, water management and (cyber) security. TPM does this with its excellent education and research at the intersection of technology, society and policy. We combine insights from both engineering and social sciences as well as the humanities. TPM develops robust models and designs, is internationally oriented and has an extensive network of knowledge institutions, companies, social organisations and governments.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management.