With a growing global energy demand and climate change challenge, emerging technologies in the field of renewable energy storage must be sustainable. The storage of renewable electricity in chemical bonds is a compelling technological option that combines flexibility, synthesis of high energy dense fuels and chemicals and may use CO2 as raw material. However, the electrochemical conversion of CO2 is an emergent technology, and favourable societal implementation conditions are still unknown. Critical knowledge on the sustainable implementation of CO2 electrochemical devices for a variety range of stakeholders is therefore needed. This is a key first step in the understanding of the role and contribution of CO2 electrochemical reduction by the near future, within the different CO2 mitigation options in place.

In this research project, the PostDoc will work on the social and ethical perspective of CO2 electrochemical implementation. You will apply a value-sensitive design or design for values approach to the electrochemical conversion of CO2. You will perform stakeholder interviews and do literature review, and on basis of this you will make an overview of the moral and social values that should be taken into account in the design of this new technology. For a number of values, including at least the value of sustainability, you will do a conceptual analysis based on relevant (e.g., philosophical) literature, and you will further specify these values in terms of (design) requirements for the new technology taking into account relevant (e.g., technical) literature. You will formulate these requirements in close cooperation with the rest of the research team and relevant stakeholders (e.g. through workshops).

The PostDoc position belongs to the NWO social responsible granted project "Sustainable design of multi-scale CO2 electrochemical conversion", whose principal investigator is Dr. Mar Pérez-Fortes and include researchers from TU Delft and TU Eindhoven. Your work will be supervised by Prof. Ibo van de Poel and you will work together with other researchers within the framework of the abovementioned and other related NWO project. 

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

•    A PhD in a relevant social science or humanities discipline (e.g. applied ethics, philosophy of technology or science and technology studies) and a proven interest and knowledge of technology, or a PhD in a relevant technical discipline with proven skills and experience with social scientific or humanities research.
•    Good analytic skills.
•    A result-oriented attitude.
•    Willingness and ability to work in a multidisciplinary team and with stakeholders.
•    Ability to work both, independently and in teams.
•    Good communication skills in English, both in written and oral.
•    A curiosity-driven mindset and passion for doing research.

Fixed-term contract: 1 year.

The appointment is for 1 year

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

For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation. An International Children's Centre offers childcare and there is an international primary school.

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 and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Technology, Policy and Management

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

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