Computational Design and Fabrication
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)
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, 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 built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft 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. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.
At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.
Challenge. Change. Impact!
Faculty Industrial Design Engineering
Matching the evolution of people with the speed of the revolution of technology. This is the focus of the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering (IDE). Delft designers act as a bridge between advances in technology and the needs of people, organisations and society to create products, services and systems with purpose.
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 our inspiring hall, labs and studios.
In close cooperation with industry, the public sector and NGOs we rehearse possible futures in research and education to design for a complex future.
Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering.
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. .
Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Elvin Karana via E.Karana@tudelft.nl
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 1 May 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:
- CV
- Motivational letter
You can address your application to Elvin Karana.
Please note:
- You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
- As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
- Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.
