Vacature: Full Professorship in History of Technology, deadline 9 March 2014

The position is embedded in the Technology, Innovation & Society (TIS) group, which is part of the School of Innovation Sciences, an international center of research in the interdisciplinary field of innovation sciences (see for more information the attached TIS mission statement). The School of Innovation Sciences is embedded in the TU/e Department of Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences. The various theoretical approaches and disciplines within a single School of Innovation Sciences create a unique strength in studying the success and failure of technological innovations and of the transition towards a sustainable society. Each approach explores pervasive, persistent, and long-term societal changes, so-called socio-technical transitions.

Research within the School of Innovation Sciences is currently organized in three research programs:
1. Psychology of Human-Technology Interaction
2. Philosophy and its Applications to Technology
3. Technology, Innovation & Society (TIS).

The TIS research program currently involves three sub-programs:
– Technology flows, the knowledge economy, and economic performance;
– System innovations and sustainability transitions;
– Modern societies in transition since 1850.

The professor in the History of Technology will further develop and lead the last sub-program, also by seeking active collaboration with the other two sub-programs. The aim of the sub-program Modern Societies in Transition since 1850 is to study contemporary history with a focus on the role of technology as an agent of change.

Description of Position
Over the years, the history group has established its national and international reputation with unique large-scale research programs, as well as numerous individual projects, many in partnership with the Foundation of the History of Technology and in national or European collaborative programs. The professor is expected to build on these projects and initiate new ones to preserve and expand on the group’s excellence. In collaboration with the other research programs and the SHT, the professor will develop new research projects and public outreach programs that focus on modern societies in transition.

The School of Innovation Sciences covers the social sciences and humanities at Eindhoven University of Technology; Together with the philosophy group, the history group within TIS forms the heart of the university’s commitment to the humanities to prepare future engineers for the challenges of tomorrow. The professor plays an active role in connecting both the social sciences and humanities to the engineering disciplines at TU/e and to the university’s designated Strategic Areas (Energy, Smart Mobility, and Health).

Research
The professor conducts research in the Technology, Innovation & Society research program. The aim of the sub-program Modern Societies in Transition since 1850 is to study contemporary history with a focus on the role of technology as an agent of change in a global context; the program explores the mutual shaping of technological change and modern society to analyze transitions in the past and the present. It brings transnational, national, and regional history into analytical focus to understand European integration history. Combining multiple source critique, synchronic and diachronic analysis with narrative inquiry and skills are key historical methodologies. Within TIS research, the program stands at the intersection of humanities and social science investigation of innovation processes. All staff members contributing to this sub-program collaborate closely with the Foundation for the History of Technology (Stichting Historie der Techniek). The research takes place in the context of the local Eindhoven Center for Innovation Studies (ECIS) as well as the national WTMC and Posthumus research schools, both certified by the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). The professor is active in acquiring external research funding from research foundations, governmental bodies, and industries. S/he initiates and leads research projects.

Teaching
The TIS group teaches in the School of Innovation Sciences’ BSc curriculum in Sustainable Innovation and the MSc program Innovation Sciences as well as in the core curriculum of the Bachelor College of TU/e. The professor develops undergraduate and graduate courses (BSc, MSc, and PhD), teaches in the aforementioned curriculum, and participates in the development of the Bachelor College. Undergraduate and graduate students are introduced to historical methods and ways of thinking for analyzing innovation processes. The main goal is to prepare future engineers for their role as problem solvers of social challenges. The professor takes a lead in articulating and developing these didactic skills and methodologies.

Management
The professor contributes to the leadership of the TIS research program and closely collaborates with the Foundation of the History of Technology. S/he serves the School of Innovation Sciences as well as university-level and departmental management committees and helps to strengthen the university’s Strategic Areas.

Tasks
• Acquires external funding for research projects
• Conducts research & initiates and leads research projects
• Teaches core BSc and MSc courses and supervises student projects (BSc, MSc, and PhD)
• Initiates and participates in course development
• Serves in management at the level of the section, school, department and university
• Acts as scientific director of the Foundation of the History of Technology (SHT)

Functie-eisen
• PhD in History of Technology or related field
• Track record in historical research, demonstrated by a substantial number of high quality publications
• Track record in teaching, shown by ample experience in teaching and good evaluations
• Experience in managing research teams and in acquiring research funding
• Excellent command of the English language as well as good communication and leadership skills

Arbeidsvoorwaarden
You will be appointed in a tenured position as full professor (1.0 fte) within an inspiring job in a dynamic and ambitious university. Gross yearly salary is within the range of €69.500 and €122.000 (in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement of the Dutch Universities – CAO NU). Salary will be based on your knowledge and experience.
Substantial tax benefits apply to non-Dutch citizens conditional on the permission granted by the Dutch Tax Office.
We have an attractive package of fringe benefits (including excellent work facilities and excellent sports facilities) available for you.

Informatie en sollicitatie
More information about this position can be obtained from: Prof.dr.ir. G.P.J. Verbong (Chair TIS Group), phone +31.40.2472698, e-mail: g.p.j.verbong@tue.nl or Prof.dr.ir. Anthonie Meijers, phone +31.40.2472026, e-mail: a.w.m.meijers@tue.nl.

For more general information please contact: Ms. E.M. van der Mierden, HR-Advisor, phone +31.40.2474886 email: e.m.v.d.mierden@tue.nl.

If you are interested, we invite you to to send us your written application before 9 March 2014 (together with a curriculum vitae and a list of publications). Depending on the number of suitable candidates the response period for this position can be extended. A maximum of 5 documents of 2 mb each can be uploaded through the online job portal of the TU/e: http://jobs.tue.nl/en/job/full-professorship-in-history-of-technology-10-fte-177599.html. Please do not send us your application by email.