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.