Emerging automation technologies are increasingly mediating social encounters and challenging established understandings of recognitional justice. Examples range from how users come to recognize AI-generated avatars as genuine companions, to how the labor of data annotators in AI supply chains is (or is not) duly acknowledged through digital interfaces.

In recent decades, recognitive processes have garnered growing attention in social and political philosophy, sparking renewed interest in G.W.F. Hegel’s work and its ethical dimensions. During the same period, the philosophy of technology has matured into a distinct field, with a particular focus on how concrete technological artifacts mediate human-world relations. These two strands of thought are increasingly being bridged in contemporary studies that explore recognition in the context of technological mediation, especially through AI. Yet, the question remains open as to whether—and how—mutual recognition between humans can be effectively mediated by automated technologies.

This postdoctoral position is dedicated to exploring the role of design in enabling technology-mediated recognition as a condition for human freedom. The research will contribute to an ongoing effort to reinterpret Hegel’s reflections on recognition, focusing on the idea that form-giving labor can materialize, in technical objects, the relative freedom of a given social relation, and ultimately serves as a ground for human emancipation.

The successful candidate is expected to further develop this articulation of design, recognition, and freedom by contributing original perspectives informed by their own background. Relevant areas of expertise may include Hegel’s philosophies of right and aesthetics, Marxian political economy, critical theory, existentialism, postphenomenology, or other approaches. Candidates are also expected to empirically connect their investigations to contemporary cases regarding the development of artificial intelligence and related technologies, and to contribute to scholarly debates in the field of design.

The postdoctoral researcher will be part of the Design, Organisation and Strategy (DOS) Department at the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering. The postdoc will be supervised by Dr. Fernando Secomandi, with co-supervision by Paul Cobben (VU Amsterdam). In addition, the postdoc will play a leading role in the executive management of the upcoming 'Justice by Design' lab, dedicated to bridging the fields of design and law, building networks among students, researchers, and other societal actors, as well as collaborating on research proposals and grant applications.

Job requirements 

Required Qualifications:

• A PhD in Design, Philosophy, or a related field.
• A strong track record of academic publications.
• Excellent teamwork skills and a collaborative mindset.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Proficiency in Dutch and/or German.
• Experience in writing grant applications and securing research funding.
• Experience with interdisciplinary research and qualitative methods.

Conditions of employment 

• Duration of contract is 1,5 to 2 years.
• A job of 32-40 hours per week. 

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. 

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, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. 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.  . 

Additional information

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Fernando Secomandi (f.secomandi@tudelft.nl).