This postdoc position is part of the SAMEN project funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO). The project ‘Safe and efficient operation of AutoMated and human drivEN vehicles in mixed traffic (SAMEN)’ is open for 2 PhD candidate positions and 1 postdoc.   

The gradual deployment of Automated Vehicles (AV) in traffic will result in a transition period, in which vehicles with various levels of automation and Human Driven Vehicles (HDV) co-exist. As a consequence, new types of interactions will emerge between vehicles at different levels of automation. Proper understanding of how human drivers will respond to AVs, and how AVs could interact with HDVs rather than responding to them is urgent but lacking. This lack of understanding may result in unsafe and inefficient traffic situations. The unique aspect and aim of the proposed project is its focus on understanding and modelling the interactions between human-driven and automated vehicles based on empirical data. In this project behavioural theories and models will be developed and validated for the interactions between AVs and HDVs using a hybrid approach for data collection. We will underpin the behavioural theory using empirical data that we will collect from field tests using AVs. We will use advanced interactive driving simulators to study the interactions between AVs and HDVs. We will scale up the resulting interaction models in a dedicated traffic flow simulation platform to evaluate the implications of mixed traffic on traffic flow and safety.

In this project several industrial partners, a vehicle manufacturer, road authorities, and knowledge institutes are involved.

The postdoc position is about the implications of (connected/ unconnected) automated driving in mixed traffic on traffic efficiency and safety. The main objectives of this postdoc position are to implement the developed behavioural models in the project in existing open source microscopic simulation platform and assess the implications of mixed traffic on traffic flow efficiency and safety.

As a postdoc you will closely work with the two PhD researchers in this project by implementing the models they develop in the open source microscopic simulation platform. You will as well assist in their supervision.

The duration of the postdoc position will be for two and a half years (30 months).

Requirements for the Postdoc position:

Educational background: PhD in Traffic engineering with experience in traffic simulation;

Skills required: good analytical skills, experience with microscopic traffic simulation, excellent programming skills (python, C++, Java), good communication skills, open minded, team player, and excellent English level (speaking, reading, and writing).

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

https://www.tudelft.nl

Faculty Civil Engineering and Geosciences

The Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology and delta technology. The research covers global social issues and is closely connected to education as well as the work of a wide range of knowledge institutions. CEG is convinced that Open Science helps to realise these goals and supports its scientists in integrating Open Science in their research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in the following seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management.

TU Delft was ranked the first in the Shanghai ranking on Transportation science & Technology in 2017. The Transport and Planning Department (T&P) at the faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences (CiTG) has been awarded the maximum score for all research assessments for the last 15 years. The faculty was ranked 4th place in the latest QS world university ranking. T&P (with about 120 members) has a strong track record in traffic flow theory, traffic simulation, dynamic traffic management and intelligent transport systems of all transport modes, including railway, pedestrians and urban public transport. A trademark of the department is the use of empirical data, incorporating human factors and advanced modelling tools.          

https://www.tudelft.nl/en/ceg/