Bringing fundamental and applied AI together makes it possible to push the boundaries of science. ‘AI, Data & Digitalisation’ at TU Delft connects AI experts and scientists applying AI in their field, driving research and innovation.In this position you will be provided the opportunity to increase the capacity of inter-disciplinary research and education in digital transformation. The position is part of the TU Delft broad AI Labs & Talent programme and offers tenure-track positions to outstanding academics active in AI or digitalisation-related research areas to find answers to major scientific and societal challenges, which are needed in the fields of architecture and the built environment (see further).

The Theory of Architecture and Digital Culture Group is led by Prof. Dr. Georg Vrachliotis at the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment at TU Delft. The group critically explores the technological conditions under which architecture in the age of global digital infrastructures emerges, from small to large scale and from everyday practice to the very big picture. The key question for prospective architects at the beginning of the 21st century is: what does it mean to design in a society that seeks its balance between Artificial intelligence and the datafication of all areas of life, increasingly rapid global migration, and urgent environmental issues? The Theory of Architecture and Digital Culture group faces the challenge of intellectually stimulating debate on this question, deepening it academically, and contextualizing it historically.

In the context of the above outline, the Theory of Architecture and Digital Culture group areas include:

• Contextualizing digital technologies from a historical and theoretical perspective.
• Exploring the impact of new digital technologies on architecture and society.
• Reflecting the evolving relationship between Artificial Intelligence and architecture.

As Assistant Professor, you are expected to help translate and implement the group's agendas into education and research and co-curate a new cross-departmental "Design Data Literacy" for the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment. It is anticipated that all bachelor and master programmes will incorporate an AI-component in the near future. You will take the lead in developing the AI components of these educational programmes. This requires setting up courses that add synergistically to the existing learning lines, as well as coordinating a coherent vision on AI education, also taking into account embedding in the broader scope of AI in the engineering sciences.

Also, with the team of the Theory of Architecture and Digital Culture group your work focuses on co-developing a new interdisciplinary and collaborative project for the Department of Architecture exploring open data for design and society. The project fosters research between architects, urban researchers, climate and computer scientists on the building scale. By referring to the Dutch tradition of open design methods for society, the project emphasises the potential and use of open data for integrating Artificial Intelligence in the built environment. The project will be displayed to the public in an extensive international exhibition and event program to demonstrate how open data has contributed to innovative design methods in architecture encompassing environmental, societal, and economic factors. You will communicate and disseminate research and education on theory of architecture and digital culture and promote your as well as the group's work in conferences, symposia, and publications as well as through appropriate social media.

For appointment, successful candidate should possess:

• PhD and/or Doctorate closely related to past, present, and future of digital culture in architecture and the built environment; qualities in history and theory of architecture, and architectural design practice.
• International profile with visible academic and professional experience as well as commensurate collaborative network.
• Strong up-to-date research track record demonstrated by notable articles, papers, book chapters, and/or books.
• Expertise in the field of curatorial and editorial practice.
• Experience in developing and teaching master-level academic courses on digital culture; managing research projects, writing grant proposal applications, organising conferences/events, and supervising doctoral candidates.
• High fluency in spoken and written English as well as willingness to learn Dutch.

Fixed-term contract: 6 years - with prospect of permanent.

A tenure-track position is offered for six years. In the fifth year we’ll decide if you will be offered a permanent faculty position, based on performance indicators agreed upon at the start of the appointment. We expect that you have the potential to grow towards an Associate Professor and/or Full Professor role in the future.

Inspiring, excellent education is our central aim. We expect you to obtain a University Teaching Qualification (UTQ) within three years if you have less than five years of teaching experience. This is provided by the TU Delft UTQ programme.
TU Delft sets high standards for the English competency of the teaching staff. The TU Delft offers training to improve English competency. If you do not speak Dutch, we offer courses to learn the Dutch language within three years.

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 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 Architecture & the Built Environment

The Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment has a leading role in education and research worldwide. The driving force behind the faculty’s success is its robust research profile combined with the energy and creativity of its student body and academic community. It is buzzing with energy from early in the morning until late at night, with four thousand people studying, working, designing, conducting research and acquiring and disseminating knowledge. Our faculty has a strong focus on 'design-oriented research’, which has given it a top position in world rankings.

Staff and students are working to improve the built environment with the help of a broad set of disciplines, including architectural design, urban planning, building technology, social sciences, process management, and geo-information science. The faculty works closely with other faculties, universities, private parties, and the public sector, and has an extensive network in the Netherlands as well as internationally.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment.

More information on the Theory of Architecture and Digital Culture group can be found here.