In our mobility ecosystem where dependencies are increasingly complex, the need for simple, local control principles that serve the collective purpose is growing. This need is the basis for the DIT4TraM (Distributed Intelligence and Technology for Traffic and Mobility Management) project, which investigates and tests what swarm intelligence can do for managing multimodal traffic and transport flows. DIT4TraM aims at a paradigm shift within traffic and mobility management according to the principles of swarm intelligence and self-learning systems.

The TU Delft part of this project involves two PhD positions, focusing on the development and application of these principles for multimodal i-VRIs and coordinated multimodal traffic management (P1) and for tradable mobility rights and planning of new mobility services (P2).

(P1) In this PhD research you will be developing incentive mechanisms that align user and system objectives at local bottlenecks by (monetary or credit) payments (or charges) that incentivise drivers to drive in a system optimal way; design efficient incentive mechanisms for traffic performance, fairness, emissions, and a trade-off between the various travel modes.

(P2) In this PhD research you will be developing distributed demand management schemes via tradable, multi-modal travel permits, to balance user-centric versus system optimal objectives (including but not restricted to equity, sustainability, and security) the performance of the designed trading schedmeds for mobility services such as shared rides will be evaluated using an agent-based simulation model.

These PhD projects is part of the DIT4TraM project. This EU project is a collaboration between some twenty knowledge institutions, companies, service providers and local governments and road authorities in nine countries. The Department of Transport & Planning (T&P) of Delft University of Technology is coordinating this project. T&P is composed of 11 research labs addressing various transport challenges.

You have:

• a relevant MSc degree in an applied science field
• demonstrated competence in optimization, simulation, network science, behavioral modeling, econometrics, computer science or similar, preferably with experience in transport modeling and mobility management.
• track record of programming experience
• a proven record and interest in further developing your modelling and analytical skills
• fully proficient in English, experience in scientific writing in English is a plus
• can contribute to a stimulating research environment and interactions with project partners and stakeholders
• - a healthy dose of autonomy, creativeness, and genuine curiosity

Special background advantages include: agent-based modelling, simulation-based optimisation, graph theory, artifical intelligence, game theory.

If your mother language is not English and you do not hold a degree from an institution in which English is the language of instruction, you must submit proof of English proficiency from either TOEFL (minimum total score of 100) or IELTS (minimum total score of 7.0). Proof of English language proficiency certificates older than two years are not accepted. 

Fixed-term contract: 4 Years.

TU Delft offers PhD-candidates a 4-year contract, with an official go/no go progress assessment after one year. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2395 per month in the first year to € 3061 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Civil Engineering & Geosciences

The Faculty of Civil Engineering & 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. Our research feeds into our educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource depletion, urbanisation and the availability of clean water, conducted  in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced that Open Science helps to achieve our 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.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences.