This postdoctoral position aims to develop a philosophical understanding of the role of design in enabling social recognition and freedom, as mediated by automated technologies - especially AI.
Job description
Emerging automation technologies are increasingly mediating social encounters and challenging established understandings of recognitional justice. Examples range from how users come to recognize AI-generated avatars as genuine companions, to how the labor of data annotators in AI supply chains is (or is not) duly acknowledged through digital interfaces.
In recent decades, recognitive processes have garnered growing attention in social and political philosophy, sparking renewed interest in G.W.F. Hegel's work and its ethical dimensions. During the same period, the philosophy of technology has matured into a distinct field, with a particular focus on how concrete technological artifacts mediate human-world relations. These two strands of thought are increasingly being bridged in contemporary studies that explore recognition in the context of technological mediation, especially through AI. Yet, the question remains open as to whether-and how-mutual recognition between humans can be effectively mediated by automated technologies.
This postdoctoral position is dedicated to exploring the role of design in enabling technology-mediated recognition as a condition for human freedom. The research will contribute to an ongoing effort to reinterpret Hegel's reflections on recognition, focusing on the idea that form-giving labor can materialize, in technical objects, the relative freedom of a given social relation, and ultimately serves as a ground for human emancipation.
The successful candidate is expected to further develop this articulation of design, recognition, and freedom by contributing original perspectives informed by their own background. Relevant areas of expertise may include Hegel's philosophies of right and aesthetics, Marxian political economy, critical theory, existentialism, postphenomenology, or other approaches. Candidates are also expected to empirically connect their investigations to contemporary cases regarding the development of artificial intelligence and related technologies, and to contribute to scholarly debates in the field of design.
The postdoctoral researcher will be part of the Design, Organisation and Strategy (DOS) Department at the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering. The postdoc will be supervised by Dr. Fernando Secomandi, with co-supervision by Paul Cobben (VU Amsterdam). In addition, the postdoc will play a leading role in the executive management of the upcoming 'Justice by Design' lab, dedicated to bridging the fields of design and law, building networks among students, researchers, and other societal actors, as well as collaborating on research proposals and grant applications.
Job requirements
Required Qualifications:
- A PhD in Design, Philosophy, or a related field.
- A strong track record of academic publications.
- Excellent teamwork skills and a collaborative mindset.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Desirable Qualifications:
- Proficiency in Dutch and/or German.
- Experience in writing grant applications and securing research funding.
- Experience with interdisciplinary research and qualitative methods.
TU Delft (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 Industrial Design Engineering
Matching the evolution of people with the speed of the revolution of technology. This is the focus of the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering (IDE). Delft designers act as a bridge between advances in technology and the needs of people, organisations and society to create products, services and systems with purpose.
IDE is a leader in design research across the application areas of mobility, sustainability and health, as well as its development of design tools and methods. A 350-strong research team and over 2,000 students work together in our inspiring hall, labs and studios.
In close cooperation with industry, the public sector and NGOs we rehearse possible futures in research and education to design for a complex future.
to go to the website of the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering.
Conditions of employment
- Duration of contract is 1,5 to 2 years.
- A job of 32-40 hours per week.
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.
, 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 is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands. .
Additional information
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Application procedure
31 August 2025
via the application button and upload the following documents:- CV that includes education and employment history, publications, and courses taught;
- Motivational letter (2 A4 pages);
- A research statement that includes applicant's vision on the theme, supported by relevant publications (2 A4 pages);
- A diversity statement (optional)
- You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
- A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
- For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the