The Professor of Design, Culture and Society will study both the role of the designer as a creative individual in his/her artistic and socio-cultural context, and how historical understanding of objects and processes can contribute to the design of the future.
The professorship unites three closely related theoretical areas: (1) design history, which includes history of production, transmission, and consumption of designed artefacts, iconic product designs, and iconic designers; (2) culture and society, which comprises how products shape our cultures and societies (cultural production), material culture, cultural values and practices (consumption), cultural representation and framing, social regulation and identity; and (3) design criticism, which includes the designers’ responsibilities, taking a stance, public debating and understanding, and reflection on design and designing.
This interdisciplinary domain underscores the reciprocal nature of the relation between human artefacts and the social/cultural circumstances in which these are brought into being: designed artefacts – in the broadest sense of the word – reflect social and cultural practices inasmuch as they are shaped by the way we live and the values we adhere to in a certain period. Understanding the change processes underlying this system strongly determines our ability to reflect, foresee, and design for it.

The candidate for the chair of Design, Culture and Society:
• has a background in design, humanities, or social sciences with a clear and demonstrable link to and passion for design and technology;
• holds a PhD in one of the mentioned domains, and experience in the other areas;
• has a track record of publications in design journals and/or curated exhibitions in the aforementioned field;
• has experience in PhD supervision;
• has obtained external research funding;
• has a personal view on and commitment to design education.

The 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 Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
The TU Delft sets specific standards for the English competency of the teaching staff. The 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 teaching certificate, we allow you up to three years to obtain this.

For more information about this position, please contact Joost Niermeijer, phone: +31 (0)15-2789533, e-mail: r.j.niermeijer@tudelft.nl. Candidates are expected to submit a motivational letter, a detailed CV, and an original vision statement containing their vision on the field, research and education (max. 3 A4). Submit before September 25th 2017, 12:00h (CET), to Joost Niermeijer, Deputy Head of Department ID. When applying for this position, please refer to vacancy number ATIO-0743.

Delft University of Technology

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

Industrial Design Engineering

The Department of Industrial Design is world leading in various design research domains, including human-centred design, design for experience, design methods and techniques, and product ergonomics and useability, and has been very successful in obtaining external research funding in recent years. The departmental and educational strategy will be to remain a powerful hub integrating research and teaching, acknowledging the increasingly necessary contribution of research to the development of industrial design engineering as an adaptable and versatile profession.