Delft University of Technology Two positions for PhD student Philosophy &Technology
*Job description*The Phd student will work on one of the following projects:
1. In engineering, technological products that do not satisfy the functionalrequirements laid out for them are said to malfunction. This notion ofmalfunction plays an important role in engineering and is philosophicallyintricate. The research project aims to survey modern engineering uses ofthe notion of malfunction and develop these into a systematic account. Amore extensive project description can be downloadedhere<http://www.tudelft.nl/live/binaries/e96d0322-2e4e-4b20-bc3f-80f8ec9199ab/doc/PhD_proposal_malfunction_1okt07.pdf>.
2. The literature on engineering design methodology describes many methods,e.g., QFD, AHP, Kano, and Pugh matrices, which are recommended and appliedto choice problems in engineering design. However, a critical discussion andassessment of these methods has been lacking. This research project aims totake up this discussion and to critically assess these methods and theirapplicablility to particular design problems. A more extensive projectdescription can be downloadedhere<http://www.tudelft.nl/live/binaries/e96d0322-2e4e-4b20-bc3f-80f8ec9199ab/doc/PhD_proposal_methodologie_1okt07.pdf>.
*Requirements*
Required: either a degree in engineering with an interest in philosophy ora degree in philosophy with an interest in engineering. Preferred: a degreein both fields.
*Conditions of employment*
The appointee will be employed by TU Delft for a fixed period of 4 years (38hours/week) within which he/she is expected to write a doctoral dissertation(PhD thesis). The salary has a maximum of € 2558 per month gross with afull-time appointment and depending on experience. TU Delft offers anattractive benefits package, including a flexible work week, a free ADSLconnection at home, and the opportunity to assemble a customizedcompensation and benefits package. Salary and benefits are in accordancewith the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
*Information and application*
For more information about this position, please contact MaartenFranssen<http://www.tbm.tudelft.nl/live/pagina.jsp?id=1d0f8e1b-89e5-41fa-8d4d-b90aed364d44&lang=en>,phone: +31 (0)15 2785795, e-mail: M.P.M.Franssen@tudelft.nl; or contactMirjam Koning, e-mail: M.E.Koning@tudelft.nl. To apply, please send adetailed CV along with a letter of application to Mirjam Koning. Internalcandidates have preference in selection. TU Delft is an equal opportunityemployer. When applying for this position, make sure to mention vacancynumber *ATTBM07-041*.
*Background information on the organization*
*TU Delft*
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institutionoffering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at aninternationally recognized level. Education, research and design arestrongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies forfuture generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economicvitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technicalsciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, uniquelaboratories, research institutes and schools.
*Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management*
The TPM faculty carries out research and teaching at the interface betweentechnology and management. We educate our students to become engineers whocombine the knowledge of technology with well-developed management skillsfor companies or administrations. The issues we study are socially relevantand require a multidisciplinary approach. We are design-oriented and make animportant contribution to the resolution of socio-technical issues. We haveextensive networks within science and practice, and are internationallyorientated.
*Philosophy section*
The Philosophy section provides courses on foundational and normative issuesregarding engineering and technology for all engineering programmes at DelftUniversity of Technology. The section's research programme focuses onfoundational and ethical problems related to technology and was judged to be"excellent"<http://www.tbm.tudelft.nl/live/pagina.jsp?id=a019142b-16ac-422d-8788-12cf5e75965b&lang=en>byan international review committee in 2006. The section participates inthe 3TU Centre for Ethics and Technology
