PhD on Bio-Digital Design and Fabrication: Towards More-than-Human Aesthetics

This PhD project centers on the interplay of biological entities and digital technologies in designing (living) artifacts, with a critical focus on exploring More-than-Human Aesthetics (MtH). The integration of living organisms and systems into design processes, supported by advancements in computational design and digital fabrication, offers opportunities to redefine materiality, agency, and interaction. However, this emerging paradigm requires navigating the complexities of bio-digital systems, ethical implications, and the dynamic interplay between human, nonhuman, and technological entities.

The project aims to frame aesthetics not just as sensory and affective experiences for humans but as a broader, systemic quality that embraces the interdependencies and wellbeing of ecosystems, including plants, microorganisms, soil, and technology. By crossing the boundaries between biodesign, digital fabrication, and MtH thinking, this research seeks to articulate novel design frameworks, methods, and exemplars that extend aesthetic agency and foster symbiosis, cohabitation, and care across bio-digital ecologies.

To develop competency in both research and lab work, this position will include providing lab support at the Material Aesthetics Lab (0,2 FTE for the first three years), in addition to research works.

Research objectives include:

Conceptual Framework

• Investigate existing approaches to MtH aesthetics in design and bio-digital fabrication.
• Develop a taxonomy of aesthetic qualities relevant to MtH design, identifying opportunities for new conceptualizations.

Generative Inquiries

• Explore RtD directions focusing on distributed control, alternative intelligence, and aesthetic interdependencies between biological and technological entities.
• Prototype and instantiate MtH aesthetics in experimental design scenarios using bio-digital tools.

Methodological Contributions

• Develop design frameworks, tools, and methodologies for engaging with MtH aesthetics in bio-digital contexts.
• Create and analyze design exemplars that demonstrate alternative conceptions of aesthetics and highlight bio-digital entanglements.

Validation

• Evaluate the proposed frameworks and exemplars through multiple design cases and engagement with design research communities.

Requirements:

Ideally, you have the following qualifications:

• Completed a Master's degree (or equivalent) in Industrial Design, Architecture, Interaction Design, and ideally mixed with educational degrees or other evidence in (micro)biology, chemistry, or mechatronics.
• Proficiency in written and verbal English
• Technical competencies in one or more of the following: Interactive prototyping, material-led design, computational design, additive manufacturing
• Experience or keen interest in biodesign and hands-on interaction with living organisms
• Prior experience with working in fabrication and wet labs and keen interest in developing and contributing to Material Aesthetics Lab
• An early track record of publications in design research and HCI venues (preferred)

Salary Benefits:

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,901 max. €3,707).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates. 

38 hours per week

De Rondom 70