Computational Design and Fabrication

Computational Design and Fabrication for Human Computer Interaction (HCI)

Job description

This vacancy is positioned in the section Materializing Futures of the Sustainable Design Engineering Department. The Materializing Futures section focuses on developing theories, tools, and methods to understand and design with emerging material and fabrication technologies, with the well-being of the planet and society at its core. Our research activities are organised under three interconnected pillars: Materials, Fabrication, and Computational Design.

As an Assistant Professor in Computational Design and Fabrication for Human Computer Interaction (HCI), you will lead research at the intersection of computational design and digital fabrication. Computational systems that can sense, interpret, and respond are increasingly central to fabrication processes, transforming how products are conceived, developed, and produced. At the same time, these systems are reshaping the contexts in which products operate, requiring them to be understood by—and to actively interact with—the computational environments around them.

In this role, you will investigate and develop novel computational design and fabrication approaches in which such interactions are intrinsic to the product from the outset. By deeply integrating computational design, digital fabrication processes, and material properties as active elements of computational systems, your work will establish new paradigms for responsive, adaptive, and materially embedded design—where material behaviour, fabrication logic, and computation are conceived as one coherent, generative framework.

Job requirements

We seek a candidate with a background in design engineering and/or Human–Computer Interaction (HCI), and a research focus on personal fabrication, computational fabrication, or interactive fabrication systems. The ideal candidate meets the following qualifications and competencies:

• Demonstrated scientific excellence in HCI research applied to digital fabrication, additive manufacturing, or computational design, evidenced by a PhD degree or equivalent research accomplishments.
• A strong track record in developing novel hardware, software, and/or material systems that extend the interactive capabilities of fabricated artefacts and/or make fabrication processes more accessible, intelligent, and expressive.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology 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.

Faculty Industrial Design Engineering

The Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering (IDE) focuses on creating products, services and systems with purpose by bridging advances in technology and the needs of people, organisations and society.

IDE is a leader in design research across the application areas of mobility, sustainability and health, as well as its development of design tools and methods. A 350-strong research team and over 2,000 students work together in labs and studios.

Conditions of employment

This position is offered as an Academic Career Track position (0.8 – 1.0 FTE). During the Academic Career Track, we expect you to grow towards an Associate Professor position within a maximum of eight years, for which a position will be available. With other Academic Career Track colleagues, you will participate in the Academic Career Track Development programme, where you are offered ample opportunities to develop yourself in the areas of Education, Research, Societal Impact & Innovation, and Leadership & Organisation. You will regularly discuss your development and results with senior staff based on a personalized development plan and performance criteria agreed upon at the start of your Academic Career Track.

You will start with a temporary contract that will be converted to a permanent contract no later than 12-18 months after a positive evaluation, based on continuous confidence in your development potential and fit in the organisation.

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 as part of the Academic Career Track Development 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, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged and you can work partly from home.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, provides information and personal one-on-one guidance to help you prepare your relocation, and to find housing and schools for children (if applicable). In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.