The Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering (IDE) at the Delft University of Technology (DUT) in Delft, The Netherlands, wishes to appoint a Full Professor of Integrated Design Methodology as per September 2018. The chair will be a successor of previous leading scholars on design methodology such as Nigel Cross and Norbert Roozenburg, and will complement the current chair in Design Theory and Methodology (Petra Badke-Schaub). This faculty-overarching professorship is unique in the Netherlands and abroad, and will make an important contribution to the internationally oriented, interdisciplinary research and teaching programs in the field of IDE. 

The field of Integrated Design Methodology investigates the cohesion of approaches and methods that are used in the integrated design of products, services, and product-service-systems. Methodology in design has a rich enabling history, but is often seen as prescriptive and restrictive. The design culture at the Faculty of IDE in Delft has a strong focus on a methodological approach to design that is embedded in the sciences, and that can be applied across a wide variety of domains. As the design field is moving to increasingly complex applications, in a move from products to services and to product-service-systems, the need for structuring discourse and activities at a methodological level has grown. Both in education and research, the abundance of tools, techniques and methods has brought design to the attention to many. There is currently a strong need to strengthen the overarching (or underlying) methodological embedding of such elements, in a language that can cross the disciplinary boundaries of today, and also the different levels of expertise within disciplines. To effectively structure design methods, the Professor of Integrated Design Methodology should study the design process as such, the designer, and how doing design can shape specific fields of application, such as initiating innovation in production, or collaboration in complex systems.

The main directions of research for this chair concern:

1.         The cohesion, development and application of methods and tools in the design process.

2.         Methodological support for design in a rapidly changing world (e.g., through the scaling-up of services and systems, by including multiple stakeholders, through more flexible production, etc.) 

The Professor of Integrated Design Methodology will develop, coordinate and supervise education at all levels  (e.g., curriculum development, lecturing in courses, coaching of group and individual projects at master and bachelor levels, supervising master graduation projects, chairing in colloquiums, initiating and supervising research). He/she will initiate, stimulate and supervise staff and doctoral research in the field and will attract the required external resources. The candidate will take up important organisational and leadership roles at both the departmental as well as the faculty level. In sum, the Professor of Integrated Design Methodology will contribute to the quality of research and education at IDE/Delft and thereby strengthen its leading role as one of the most prominent design institutes in the world.

We are searching for a colleague who has the ability and willingness not only to reflect on design practice, but also to articulate the relevance of his/her work on design practice. We are looking for a person who thrives in an interdisciplinary environment, where designers and researchers are expected to work across research groups, and contribute to the larger research agenda of the department and the research themes of the faculty.

The candidate for the Professor of Integrated Design Methodology:

•           has a background in design (e.g., product design, service design, architecture), engineering (e.g., mechanical, civil, media, aerospace) or psychology with a clear and demonstrable link to, and passion for the combination of these three areas;

•           holds a PhD in one of the mentioned domains, and has experience in the other area;

•           has a strong track record of publications in relevant journals (e.g., Design Studies; Journal of Engineering Design)

•           has ample experience in PhD supervision;

•           has a strong track record in obtaining external research funding;

•           has a personal view on and commitment to design education;

•           has a substantial network in the international domain of design methodology.

Fixed-term contract: An appointment for 5 years, with the prospect of a permanent appointment.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children's Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labout Agreement for Dutch Universities. TU Delft sets specific standards for the English competency of the teaching staff. TU Delft offers training to improve English competency. Inspiring, excellent education is our central aim. If you have less than five years of experience and do not yet have your teahcing certifciate, we alow you up to three years to obtain this.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

https://www.tudelft.nl

Faculty Industrial Design Engineering

The faculty of Industrial Design Engineering is the largest and broadest scientific design institute in the world, with over 2,000 students, more than 6,000 alumni and 300 staff (researchers and lecturers, including designers from industrial practice). The faculty aims to contribute to a better living environment and respond to social challenges by combining human values and desires with technological feasibility and economic viability. We are excellently placed to do so, as we ground design methods and skills in scientific knowledge from a wide range of disciplines, leading to concrete solutions.

The Professor of Integrated Design Methodology will be embedded in the Department of Product Innovation Management (PIM). The PIM department is organised in two sections, each representing a research and education profile: Marketing and Consumer Research (MCR), and Methodology and Organisation for Design (MOD). The new chair will be integrated in the MOD section. With 2.2 FTE professors (Design, Theory and Methodology; Service Design; Strategic Design for Technology based Innovation 0,2FTE), around 11.5 FTE permanent staff (associate professors, assistant professors, and lecturers) and about 4-5 PhD students, this section studies design methodology, service design, design-driven innovation, and entrepreneurship. With this professorship, the section would cover the main scientific disciplines involved (design, psychology, engineering, and business).

The professor of Integrated Design Methodology will actively seek close cooperation with the other departments in and outside IDE. Outside the university, the professor is expected to play a role in the national and international design arena, design practice and industry at large.

https://www.tudelft.nl/en/ide/