This PhD studentship is available at Delft University of Technology as part of the ITS Edulab, and funded by Rijkswaterstaat, who is responsible for the main infrastructure facilities in the Netherlands.

Dedicated lanes for automated vehicles have been frequently proposed as a potential scenario for integrating automated vehicles on our road network since the 1990s. On dedicated lanes, automated and connected vehicles can drive with shorter time headways and in platoons, thus increasing the lane capacity and throughput and reducing fuel consumption. Dedicating specific lanes for automated vehicles, however, highly depends on their penetration rate in traffic and on the implications on traffic safety and efficiency.

There is a clear knowledge gap and lack of scientific evidence whether dedicated lanes are the preferred design choice compared to mixed traffic, and how does this change for different automation levels and their penetration rates in traffic. There is also lack of knowledge regarding the performance and safety implications of different design configurations of road sections with dedicated lanes, and the impact of different lane policies on the behaviour of drivers, and as a result on traffic performance and traffic safety. Therefore, the main objective of this research project is to evaluate the feasibility and safety level of different lane policies and operation strategies at different automation levels  

Applicants should have the following qualifications:

- M.Sc. in Transportation Engineering, Traffic Engineering, Traffic Modelling, or other relevant background

- The willingness to study Dutch;

- Skilled in programming languages, such as Matlab, Python, R;

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 the 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.

Delft University is first in the Shanghai ranking on Transportation science & Technology. 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/