A substantial part of CO2 emissions and air pollution is caused by traffic and transportation. Looking at railway systems (as a whole and from well to wheel), the energy supply is one of the contributors to the total CO2 emissions. Other contributors could be for example the CO2 footprint per railway component: rails, trains, engines, catenary systems; planning and actual operations; door to door passenger behaviour, construction and recycling, etc, etc.

In this PhD project, we are looking for the design of integrated models for actual monitoring and prediction of the CO2 emissions of regional railway lines. The research will lead to a prototype tool for the dynamic monitoring of CO2 emissions. The PhD researcher will process the available data and create a monitoring dashboard. The PhD project will be multidisciplinary with expertise from railway engineering, transportation planning, energy, and modelling approaches from other fields.

The research includes investigating links between state of the art physical models and real-life measurements.

This research will be performed in close cooperation with Arriva, the largest regional railway operator in the Netherlands.

We are looking for highly talented and driven candidates. You:

• have a relevant MSc degree in Transportation engineering, Railway Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related applied science field
• have an analytical approach to problem solving and are eager to learn new things
• have a proven background and interest in further developing railways+sustainability modelling and data analytics skills
• are proficient in English 
• are interested in railway planning and operations
• have excellent communication skills and are able to cooperate with both scientists and transport professionals

Knowledge about diverse types of engines, batteries, CO2 modelling is a plus. Experience in data processing and dashboard design is also an advantage.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

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.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit www.tudelft.nl/phd for more information.

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 of Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) provides leading international research and education, with innovation and sustainability as central themes. Research and education are closely interwoven and address societal challenges. The Faculty consists of 7 departments: Materials Mechanics Management, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering , Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Watermanagement.

The Transport & Planning Department (T&P) have been awarded the maximum score at all research assessments during the last 15 years. The faculty was ranked second in the latest QS world university ranking. T&P (about 80 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, incorporation of human factors and advanced modelling tools.

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