About the Research Programme
“Ethics of Socially Disruptive Technologies” (Esdit) is an international research programme of seven academic institutions in the Netherlands. It has a combined budget of € 27 million, and is funded by the Ministry for Education, Culture and Science and the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) in the Gravitation funding scheme for excellent research, and by matching funds from the participating institutions. The programme began in January 2020 and will continue till December 2029. The programme has the aim of achieving breakthrough research at the intersection of ethics, philosophy and technology / engineering and to position its consortium at the top of its field internationally. The consortium, counting over 130 researchers, consists of internationally well-known ethicists, philosophers, engineers and social scientists. The programme functions through nine research lines; for a complete overview, see www.esdit.nl .
The Challenge
You are responsible for the external communication of the ESDiT programme, and also have a role in internal communication. You carry out these tasks in consultation with the programme manager, dr. Radhika Mittal, the programme leader, prof. dr. Philip Brey and the project manager, Seeta Autar. You implement policies outlined by the Daily Board (which, besides yourself, includes Mittal, Brey, Autar) and the Management Board (the central strategic board, consisting of nine professors). Tasks include the following:
- Taking responsibility for the communication strategy of the research programme, together with the programme manager and researchers in the programme.
- Writing, editing and coordinating news items, feature articles and other texts for various audiences and media concerning the relationship between technology, society, philosophy and ethics.
- Creating an original representation of the consortium on social media, using the latest techniques and software. Building the consortium’s professional presence and brand on social media platforms, particularly through developing and managing a network of high value external stakeholders.
- Exploring and utilizing new tools (also for visual communication) and ideas to communicate messages to various audiences and in collaboration with stakeholders.
- Supporting researchers in the programme with their communication and impact activities and coordinating the external communication activities.
Information and application
A full programme plan, including details about organizational structure and policies, can be requested from Seeta Autar at b.autar@utwente.nl. See also the programme website: https://www.esdit.nl/. For questions about the vacancy, please contact Radhika Mittal (r.mittal@utwente.nl).
Your application, including a letter of application and a curriculum vitae, can be uploaded until Sunday, May 11th (23.59 PM CEST). We expect to hold interviews on Monday 19th and Tuesday 27th of May.
About the department
Philosophy section. This position will be embedded within the philosophy section of the University of Twente. For further information, visit https://www.utwente.nl/en/bms/wijsb.
About the organisation
At the Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences (BMS), we unite the worlds of people and technology to address today’s complex societal challenges. We are passionate about understanding human behaviour, fostering responsible innovation, and designing solutions that create societal value. Our educational programmes span disciplines such as Psychology, Business Administration, Public Administration, Communication Sciences, Philosophy, Educational Sciences, and Health Sciences. Through our bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Professional Learning & Development programmes, and interdisciplinary research themes – including Emerging Technologies & Societal Transformations, Resilience, Smart Industry, Learning, and Health – we empower students and researchers to make a positive societal impact.
At BMS, we combine critical thinking with practical action. From advancing sustainable mobility with innovations like the world’s most efficient hydrogen car to shaping policies that promote digital inclusion, our work contributes to a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable future. Whether it’s exploring how technology influences human behaviour or leveraging data and innovation to transform industries and communities, we ensure that technology serves people – and not the other way around.
As an employer, BMS offers a vibrant, inclusive, and entrepreneurial environment where you can thrive personally and professionally. Join us and become part of a forward-thinking community that equips you to shape the future – for yourself and society. With us, you will become part of a leading technical university with increasing, positive social impact.
