Call for Applications
Assistant Professor In Ethics of Technology
Industrial Engineering and Innovation Sciences Department
Eindhoven University of Technology
Eindhoven, Netherlands
Reference number: V39.5925
https://jobs.tue.nl/en/vacancy/assistant-professor-in-ethics-of-technology-956175.html
Applications due by October 2 and the position will remain open until filled.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Workplaces have increasingly become digital environments, in which we collaborate through and with digital systems and agents. This digitization of work raises many ethical questions. You will develop this research on these questions with partners inside and outside our research group, and contribute to teaching on this topic in TU/e’s existing and new courses in engineering ethics.
Research:
You will do research in ethics of technology, at the interface between fundamental philosophical issues and problems arising in the design, implementation, use and regulation of technology. A particular emphasis will lie on ethical aspects of digitization and robotization of work, in close collaboration with researchers in occupational and organizational psychology and other relevant disciplines, as well as industry partners in the Brainport region, e.g., in the Eindhoven Engine.
Sample issues include: do digitization and robotization give rise to responsibility gaps in the workplace, and how should these be addressed? Does digitization facilitate or hamper our capacity to do meaningful work? To what extent and under which (future) conditions should professionals treat digital agents as colleagues? Can we, more generally, formulate ethical boundary conditions for digitization and robotization of work, and implement these conditions in practice?
Your research will develop original, internationally recognized ways of addressing these or similar issues and you explore opportunities for acquiring external funding. You can build on existing disciplinary and multi-disciplinary collaborations (e.g., within the Eindhoven Engine, ESDiT, and 4TU Ethics), as well as pursue new collaborations.
Teaching:
The P&E group is responsible for a large number of courses in the TU/e Bachelor College as well as in the Graduate School. You will, in up to 50% of your contract time, contribute to developing, coordinating and teaching courses in which ethical theories and concepts are applied to technology design and implementation. Specifically, we envisage integration of the research theme – ethical aspects of digitization and robotization of work – in the new courses “Engineering Ethics” (starting AY 2023/2024) and “Engineering in Society” (starting AY 2025/2026).
JOB REQUIREMENTS
- Motivated researcher, with a PhD in philosophy.
- Ability to conduct high quality academic research, reflected in demonstratable outputs.
- Area of specialization: ethics; Areas of competence: applied ethics (specifically ethics of information technology, data ethics and/or engineering ethics); philosophy of technology.
- Motivated to teach, contribute to teaching processes, and to develop excellent teaching skills.
- Strong cooperation skills and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.
- Effective communication and leadership skills, including coaching and mentoring of students and staff, leading a project or chairing a group.
- Excellent (written and verbal) proficiency in English.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:
- A Tenure Track with the prospect of becoming an Associate Professor. The initial contract is at least five years. If you have a more senior profile, a tailor-made career proposal will be considered.
- The opportunity to focus your career on education, research or impact. You can develop your personal ambitions and objections within the strategic objectives of the university.
- Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 11 (min. €3,974 max. €5,439).
- An attractive starting package.
- A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
- A dedicated mentoring program to help you get to know the university and the Dutch (research) environment.
- High-quality training programs for academic leadership and teaching.
- An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children’s day care and sports facilities.
- Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
- A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and partner career support.
INFORMATION AND APPLICATION
About Us:
Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.
Curious to hear more about what it is like as a professor at TU/e? Please view the video.
Information:
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact the hiring manager Prof.dr. Wybo Houkes, w.n.houkes[at]tue.nl or +31 40 247 5943.
Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact Kim Spinder – van Puijenbroek, HR Advisor, HRServices.IEIS[at]tue.nl or +31 40 247 5102.
Would you like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.
Application:
We invite you to submit a complete application. The application should include a:
- Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
- Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.
- Description of your scientific interests and plans (1-2 pages).
- Statement of your teaching goals and experience (1-2 pages).
We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.