Postdoc Societal and Cultural Meaning of Quantum Technologies
Challenge: A Readiness Assessment Methodology for quantum technologies
Change: Adjust the UNESCO RAM to quantum technologies
Impact: Allow a global understanding of the impact of quantum technologies
Job description
Quantum technologies are rapidly evolving from prototypes in labs to computers, networks and sensors that can be deployed in the world. The functionality of these technologies is already articulated to some extent, but applications relevant for people, industry and governments are less well defined or understood. This lack of understanding holds for countries that are developing quantum technologies and even more so for countries that do not share in this development.
In order to better understand what quantum technologies may mean for countries of the second category, the candidate will engage in the following activities:
- Study methodology by which UNESCO explores the impact of technologies on communities globally
- Transpose this methodology to one that can explore the societal and cultural impact of quantum technologies
- Test the transposition with communities in Africa or Latin America
Tasks and responsibilities:
- Formulate and test the UNESCO readiness assessment methodology
- You will be part of the Ethics/Philosophy of Technology section at the Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management, and work within the Dutch QDNL programme. You work together with Dr Pieter Vermaas, TU Delft, and collaborate with researchers working on ethical, legal and society issues part of Action Line 4 of QDNL
- Partake in the teaching of Ethics/Philosophy of Technology section
Job requirements
- A recent PhD in quantum technology
- Ability to work in teams
- Ability to work with communities in Africa and Latin America
- Ability to collaborate with researchers from other disciplines
- Good academic writing skills
- Proficiency in expressing yourself verbally and in writing in English
- Proficiency in Dutch language would be helpful but is not required
- Interested in participating in interdisciplinary educational activities
TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.
For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.
At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.
Faculty Technology, Policy & Management
The Faculty of TPM provides an important contribution to solving complex technical-social issues, such as energy transition, mobility, digitalisation, water management and (cyber) security. TPM does this with its excellent education and research at the intersection of technology, society and policy. We combine insights from both engineering and social sciences as well as the humanities. TPM develops robust models and designs, is internationally oriented and has an extensive network of knowledge institutions, companies, social organisations and governments.
Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management.
Conditions of employment
- Duration of contract is 9 months. Temporary.
- A job of 36-40 hours per week.
- Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
- An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
- The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
- Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
- Flexible working week.
- Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
- Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
- Partially paid parental leave
- Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.
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 Pieter Vermaas, email: p.e.vermaas@tudelft.nl.
For information about the selection procedure, please contact Olivie Beek, HR Advisor, email: recruitment-tbm@tudelft.nl.
Diversity and inclusivity are core values at TU Delft. We would like to encourage candidates from underrepresented groups in academia to apply.
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 7 October 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:
- 1-page Motivation letter;
- Your CV;
- Your PhD thesis.
If the applicants are selected for an interview, they will be asked to provide contact details of two referees with their consent.
You can address your application to Pieter Vermaas.
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.