JOB DESCRIPTION

Robotic systems are rapidly moving out of controlled laboratories and industrial settings and into dynamic, socially complex professional environments. To be widely adopted, they must evolve from stand-alone technologies into integrated product–service systems—reliable, usable, maintainable, and approachable for non-expert professionals.
This postdoc position is part of a project that aims to develop a design framework for robots as commodities. Together with academic researchers, design agencies, and industry partners, you will work on translating state-of-the-art Human–Robot Interaction (HRI) knowledge into actionable design guidelines, competences, and tools for the creative industry.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Conducting industry consultations, ethnographic fieldwork, and design research to map the current landscape of robotics design practices and challenges.
• Leading hands-on case studies (with a strong focus on agritech, in collaboration with industry partner Lely) to explore and refine design methodologies.
• Developing and prototyping design tools to support creative professionals across the design process—from ideation to user testing.
• Synthesising results into a coherent design framework, and disseminating outcomes through publications, workshops, and industry events.

You will be embedded in the Department of Industrial Design at TU Delft, a world leader in design research, and work closely with partners in both academia and industry. This position provides a unique opportunity to contribute to socially relevant, interdisciplinary research while shaping the future of robotics design in the Netherlands and beyond.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

We are looking for an ambitious, independent, and collaborative postdoctoral researcher with:

• A PhD in Industrial Design, Human–Robot Interaction, Human–Computer Interaction, Design Research, or a closely related field (either completed or a defence date has been set).
• A strong research track record, demonstrated through publications, design projects, or equivalent outputs.
• Proven experience with qualitative and/or practice-based research methods (e.g., ethnography, co-design, participatory design, field studies).
• Affinity with robotics, HRI, or interactive technology design, and willingness to engage with technical as well as social aspects of robotic systems.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken, in English; ability to collaborate across academic, industrial, and creative partners. Proficiency in Dutch is a welcome bonus.
• A proactive and open mindset, with the ability to connect diverse stakeholders and translate research into actionable frameworks.

• Conducting industry consultations, ethnographic fieldwork, and design research to map the current landscape of robotics design practices and challenges.
• Leading hands-on case studies (with a strong focus on agritech, in collaboration with industry partner Lely) to explore and refine design methodologies.
• Developing and prototyping design tools to support creative professionals across the design process—from ideation to user testing.
• Synthesising results into a coherent design framework, and disseminating outcomes through publications, workshops, and industry events