The Feminist Generative AI Lab is a joint research Lab based at TU Delft and Erasmus University of Rotterdam. The Lab pioneers research at the intersection of generative AI, design, and data feminism. Recognizing the recent developments in generative AI technology and its widespread impact, the Lab addresses the ethical challenges and opportunities inherent in this transformative field through a theoretical feminist lens. A feminist approach to technology goes beyond gender. Broadly understood, it is an approach that aims for less dominating alternatives, thinks beyond binary oppositions and embraces pluralism and difference.

We invite applications for a fully-funded PhD position in Design, focusing on the co-envisioning of feminist generative AI futures with vulnerable and marginalized communities, to develop methods and approaches that engage them in the development of generative AI technologies. The successful candidate will carry out groundbreaking research aimed at fostering inclusivity, justice, and equality within the realm of generative artificial intelligence design and application.

The prevailing discourse in generative artificial intelligence (AI) has often overlooked the impact of such technology on minorities, marginalized, and vulnerable populations. For instance, LLMs or text-to-image models have proven to perpetuate bias and stereotypes due to the input data reflecting the ideas, values, and perspectives of traditionally wealthiest and more powerful groups. We challenge this approach, seeking to redefine the processes that determine the construction and application of generative AI. Unlike traditional approaches that prioritize technological advancements and profit, our research places a strong emphasis on feminist principles, participatory design, and design activism. This project aims to address power imbalances and promote inclusivity, justice, and equality in generative AI development and deployment. Positioned against a backdrop of increasing awareness of AI ethical implications, this project strives to contribute to a transformative shift in AI research, actively involving vulnerable and marginalized communities in shaping a more equitable socio-technical future. 

This PhD project adopts participatory design, speculative design, value-sensitive design, and design activism methods to challenge current approaches in generative AI development and deployment, with a focus on engaging marginalized and vulnerable communities. Research activities include analyzing stakeholders and power structures in GenAI development and implementation in specific contexts, co-envisioning, prototyping, and debating GenAI futures with vulnerable and marginalized groups affected by this technology, and outlining guidelines for creating feminist GenAI solutions in these contexts.

The research goal is to develop and validate design methods and processes for engaging vulnerable groups in the development of feminist (e.g. fair, inclusive, diverse) Generative AI futures in different contexts.

In line with Feminist AI principles, we consider it essential to understand and engage in the context in which inequalities are rooted. Therefore, the PhD candidate will have the opportunity to identify the context they intend to explore in their research, considering accessibility, personal experiences and motivations.

• Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field;
• Proficiency in qualitative research methods;
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills;
• Familiarity with (generative) artificial intelligence and an interest in data feminism or feminist AI principles;
• Experience with participatory design, speculative design, or design activism is desirable;
• A commitment to social justice issues;
• Excellent scientific writing skills are a plus.

This PhD position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of design, feminism, and artificial intelligence, with the potential to shape the future of inclusive and just technological landscapes. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Fixed-term contract: 4 jaar.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2770 per month in the first year to € 3539 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. 

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

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.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering.