Postdoc Societal and Cultural Meaning of Quantum Technologies

Job description

Quantum technologies are rapidly evolving from prototypes in labs to computers, networks and sensors that can be deployed in the world. The functionality of these technologies is already articulated to some extent, but applications relevant for people, industry and governments are less well defined or understood. This lack of understanding holds for countries that are developing quantum technologies and even more so for countries that do not share in this development.

In order to better understand what quantum technologies may mean for countries of the second category, the candidate will engage in the following activities:

• Study methodology by which UNESCO explores the impact of technologies on communities globally
• Transpose this methodology to one that can explore the societal and cultural impact of quantum technologies
• Test the transposition with communities in Africa or Latin America

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Formulate and test the UNESCO readiness assessment methodology
• You will be part of the Ethics/Philosophy of Technology section at the Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management, and work within the Dutch QDNL programme. You work together with Dr Pieter Vermaas, TU Delft, and collaborate with researchers working on ethical, legal and society issues part of Action Line 4 of QDNL
• Partake in the teaching of Ethics/Philosophy of Technology section

Job requirements

• A recent PhD in quantum technology
• Ability to work in teams
• Ability to work with communities in Africa and Latin America
• Ability to collaborate with researchers from other disciplines
• Good academic writing skills
• Proficiency in expressing yourself verbally and in writing in English
• Proficiency in Dutch language would be helpful but is not required
• Interested in participating in interdisciplinary educational activities

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

Faculty Technology, Policy & Management
The Faculty of TPM provides an important contribution to solving complex technical-social issues, such as energy transition, mobility, digitalisation, water management and (cyber) security. TPM does this with its excellent education and research at the intersection of technology, society and policy. We combine insights from both engineering and social sciences as well as the humanities. TPM develops robust models and designs, is internationally oriented and has an extensive network of knowledge institutions, companies, social organisations and governments.

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

Postdoc Societal and Cultural Meaning of Quantum Technologies

Job description

Quantum technologies are rapidly evolving from prototypes in labs to computers, networks and sensors that can be deployed in the world. The functionality of these technologies is already articulated to some extent, but applications relevant for people, industry and governments are less well defined or understood. This lack of understanding holds for countries that are developing quantum technologies and even more so for countries that do not share in this development.

In order to better understand what quantum technologies may mean for countries of the second category, the candidate will engage in the following activities:

• Study methodology by which UNESCO explores the impact of technologies on communities globally
• Transpose this methodology to one that can explore the societal and cultural impact of quantum technologies
• Test the transposition with communities in Africa or Latin America

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Formulate and test the UNESCO readiness assessment methodology
• You will be part of the Ethics/Philosophy of Technology section at the Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management, and work within the Dutch QDNL programme. You work together with Dr Pieter Vermaas, TU Delft, and collaborate with researchers working on ethical, legal and society issues part of Action Line 4 of QDNL
• Partake in the teaching of Ethics/Philosophy of Technology section

Job requirements

• A recent PhD in quantum technology
• Ability to work in teams
• Ability to work with communities in Africa and Latin America
• Ability to collaborate with researchers from other disciplines
• Good academic writing skills
• Proficiency in expressing yourself verbally and in writing in English
• Proficiency in Dutch language would be helpful but is not required
• Interested in participating in interdisciplinary educational activities

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

Faculty Technology, Policy & Management
The Faculty of TPM provides an important contribution to solving complex technical-social issues, such as energy transition, mobility, digitalisation, water management and (cyber) security. TPM does this with its excellent education and research at the intersection of technology, society and policy. We combine insights from both engineering and social sciences as well as the humanities. TPM develops robust models and designs, is internationally oriented and has an extensive network of knowledge institutions, companies, social organisations and governments.

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

PhD Position Advancing Electrically Driven Separation Processes via Local pH-Gradient Analysis

Job description

Industrial processes and wastewater treatment currently depend heavily on chemical processing aids, increasing energy consumption and adding complexity to process operations and logistics. In this project, a collaborative initiative involving both academic and industrial partners, coordinated by the Institute for Sustainable Process Technology (ISPT), we aim to develop a fundamentally different approach. By harnessing electric fields to create local pH gradients and electrostatic molecular interactions, we seek to replace conventional chemical processing aids.

As a PhD candidate at TU Delft, you will investigate the fundamental behavior of electrically induced pH gradients at critical interfaces, including electrodes and membranes used in electrochemical separation processes. You will work towards specific user-cases / user-applications and demonstrate the membrane processes in close collaboration with the partners and other collaborators in the consortium, which are not yet known and will be defined throughout the project. Your main research will focus on:

1. visualizing and quantifying local pH gradients using Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) to understand their influence on separation performance and membrane durability;
2. elucidating transport phenomena in membranes by integrating your experimental observations with advanced electrode characterization data generated within the consortium; and
3. developing membrane modification strategies to enhance performance, durability, and antifouling properties, thereby reducing energy demand as well as capital and operational costs for specific user-cases.

In close collaboration with project partners and other research groups at the TU Delft, you will also contribute to the development of physics-informed models by performing two-dimensional simulations of local pH gradients. These models will link interfacial mass transport limitations near membranes and electrodes with system-level performance, enabling the design of more efficient and sustainable electrochemical separation technologies.

You will join the interdisciplinary research team of the Bazyar Lab within the Department of Chemical Engineering, section of Catalysis, Separation, and Electrochemical engineering (CaSE), working under the supervision of Dr. Hanieh Bazyar. As part of this project, you will collaborate closely with Dr. Jouke Dykstra at Wageningen University and with industrial partners from the Dutch food, paper, and chemical sectors.

At the Bazyar Lab, we are driven by the ambition to advance sustainable process engineering through the development of innovative separation materials and technologies. We foster an open, collaborative, and supportive research environment where team members share knowledge, help one another, and receive the guidance and training needed to grow into independent researchers.

In addition to conducting research, you will contribute to education by serving as a teaching assistant in various courses, supervising bachelor thesis projects, and mentoring master's students during their graduation research. Through these activities, you will further develop your leadership, communication, and supervisory skills.

Job requirements
You are motivated to conduct innovative research that supports the transition toward sustainable process engineering. Working at the intersection of electrochemistry and separation technology, you apply strong analytical skills to address complex challenges. You thrive in interdisciplinary and international collaborations, communicating effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, while also being confident in working independently. Beyond research, you are keen to supervise master's and bachelor's students and continuously broaden your expertise and professional capabilities.

To be considered for this position, you should possess:

• An MSc degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Applied Physics, Physical Chemistry or a closely related discipline.
• Hands-on experience with electrochemical systems and/or electrically driven separation technologies.
• Knowledge of membrane processes, transport phenomena, advanced characterization techniques, such as fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM), and/or experience with 2D computational modeling.
• Experience with designing custom-built experimental set-ups
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, enabling you to thrive in an international and multidisciplinary research environment.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

Faculty Applied Sciences
With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we educate innovative students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.

PhD Position Advancing Electrically Driven Separation Processes via Local pH-Gradient Analysis

Job description

Industrial processes and wastewater treatment currently depend heavily on chemical processing aids, increasing energy consumption and adding complexity to process operations and logistics. In this project, a collaborative initiative involving both academic and industrial partners, coordinated by the Institute for Sustainable Process Technology (ISPT), we aim to develop a fundamentally different approach. By harnessing electric fields to create local pH gradients and electrostatic molecular interactions, we seek to replace conventional chemical processing aids.

As a PhD candidate at TU Delft, you will investigate the fundamental behavior of electrically induced pH gradients at critical interfaces, including electrodes and membranes used in electrochemical separation processes. You will work towards specific user-cases / user-applications and demonstrate the membrane processes in close collaboration with the partners and other collaborators in the consortium, which are not yet known and will be defined throughout the project. Your main research will focus on:

1. visualizing and quantifying local pH gradients using Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) to understand their influence on separation performance and membrane durability;
2. elucidating transport phenomena in membranes by integrating your experimental observations with advanced electrode characterization data generated within the consortium; and
3. developing membrane modification strategies to enhance performance, durability, and antifouling properties, thereby reducing energy demand as well as capital and operational costs for specific user-cases.

In close collaboration with project partners and other research groups at the TU Delft, you will also contribute to the development of physics-informed models by performing two-dimensional simulations of local pH gradients. These models will link interfacial mass transport limitations near membranes and electrodes with system-level performance, enabling the design of more efficient and sustainable electrochemical separation technologies.

You will join the interdisciplinary research team of the Bazyar Lab within the Department of Chemical Engineering, section of Catalysis, Separation, and Electrochemical engineering (CaSE), working under the supervision of Dr. Hanieh Bazyar. As part of this project, you will collaborate closely with Dr. Jouke Dykstra at Wageningen University and with industrial partners from the Dutch food, paper, and chemical sectors.

At the Bazyar Lab, we are driven by the ambition to advance sustainable process engineering through the development of innovative separation materials and technologies. We foster an open, collaborative, and supportive research environment where team members share knowledge, help one another, and receive the guidance and training needed to grow into independent researchers.

In addition to conducting research, you will contribute to education by serving as a teaching assistant in various courses, supervising bachelor thesis projects, and mentoring master's students during their graduation research. Through these activities, you will further develop your leadership, communication, and supervisory skills.

Job requirements
You are motivated to conduct innovative research that supports the transition toward sustainable process engineering. Working at the intersection of electrochemistry and separation technology, you apply strong analytical skills to address complex challenges. You thrive in interdisciplinary and international collaborations, communicating effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, while also being confident in working independently. Beyond research, you are keen to supervise master's and bachelor's students and continuously broaden your expertise and professional capabilities.

To be considered for this position, you should possess:

• An MSc degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Applied Physics, Physical Chemistry or a closely related discipline.
• Hands-on experience with electrochemical systems and/or electrically driven separation technologies.
• Knowledge of membrane processes, transport phenomena, advanced characterization techniques, such as fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM), and/or experience with 2D computational modeling.
• Experience with designing custom-built experimental set-ups
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, enabling you to thrive in an international and multidisciplinary research environment.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

Faculty Applied Sciences
With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we educate innovative students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.

Postdoctoral Researcher in AI Education Research

Job description

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is looking for a postdoctoral researcher within the TU Delft Teaching Academy Initiative on Innovation in Delft Engineering Education (IDEE).

The position falls within the IDEE project “Teaching and Learning in the Age of AI”, focusing on how we, as a university of technology, can respond to the rise of AI in the learning process. What does AI mean for the way we teach and learn? How can meaningful learning be redefined in today’s AI-enabled educational landscape? The project has the following overarching goals: (1) develop a theoretical framework of constructive alignment for AI-rich teaching environments; (2) identify which patterns of student-AI interactions influence the adoption of deep or surface approaches to learning; (3) create, implement and evaluate guidelines and knowledge base for teachers to design their courses so the use of AI contributes to meaningful learning; and (4) create an engaged community around teaching and learning in the age of AI.

For this post-doc position you will build on two trajectories currently underway. The first is led by a PhD researcher who investigates educational practices that protect learning in the presence of increasingly powerful automation tools. The second, led by a postdoctoral researcher, develops a framework for redefining meaningful learning in the age of AI. Building on these, you will explore ways that AI guidelines are being integrated into TU Delft courses across the campus and study their impact on meaningful student learning. Your initial goal will be to engage with the educational community involved in the project. You will then compile results from experiments and initiatives happening across the university. This preliminary investigation will inform a study that you will design and implement in TU Delft classroom(s). Ultimately, you will produce recommendations for implementation of guidelines across a range of university disciplinary settings.

As a disciplinary expert and senior researcher you will have the opportunity to assist in advising a PhD project, and will facilitate collaboration with the project’s existing team: a second postdoctoral researcher, research assistants, an educational advisor, and an interfaculty team of researchers and educators. Thus, we are seeking a highly motivated, collaborative, and talented researcher, with a keen eye for strong research designs.

Your recommendations will be developed through inquiry of questions such as:

• How do guidelines translate to different teaching methods used across faculties? Examples include: lecture, workshop, studio, seminar, and online learning material.
• What are the respective learning objectives, and assessments used in different disciplines and how do these integrate AI guidelines?
• How do AI guidelines influence student learning and how should educators integrate AI guidelines into their course planning?
• What recommendations do you have for AI guidelines and policies that take into account student learning and diverging teaching methods for different disciplines?

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will:

• Engage with Teaching Academy and education staff across TU Delft faculties to connect policies and guidelines to implementation approaches.
• Support researchers experimenting with the impact of AI on student learning.
• Review results from multiple studies and research in the IDEE group, to provide concrete recommendations.

Envisioned outputs:

• Peer-reviewed publications on realised impacts of policy and guidelines in classroom settings across engineering disciplines.
• Recommendations for implementing guidelines for designing learning objectives, teaching activities, and assessments that prioritise student learning in the age of AI.

Job requirements

• You hold a PhD in Educational Science, Learning Sciences, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Engineering Education, Human-Computer Interaction or a related field.
• Your research background demonstrates a clear focus on education, learning or human behaviour.
• You have AI literacy and a strong interest in educational innovation, technology and AI.
• You are familiar with, or have an affinity for, design and/or engineering education research.
• You have experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• You have a keen eye for robust research designs and enjoy conducting interdisciplinary research.
• You communicate clearly in English, both verbally and in writing.
• You work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.

These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional.

Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

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, with four thousand people enthusiastically 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.