In 2018, the new North-South metro line will be in operation in Amsterdam. The network of buses and trams will be adjusted accordingly. The TU Delft and Amsterdam universities will monitor and analyse the impacts of such a substantial change in public transport supply on passengers, the city, and society. The task of the PhD student is to analyse public transport ridership and passenger choices before and after the introduction. This implies passenger patterns and preferences with regard to factors such as comfort, reliability, and transfers. A combination of data sources will be available (e.g. AVL, smartcard and surveys) to derive passenger behaviour. Both the actual and perceived level of service will be analysed. The final objective is to develop passenger choice models supporting demand forecasts. This research will be performed in close cooperation with the operator and transit authority.

We are looking for highly talented and driven candidates. You have:
• a relevant MSc degree in transportation or a related applied science field.
• an analytical approach to problem solving and eagerness to learn new things.
• a proven background and interest in further developing your modelling and analytical skills.
• complete proficiency in English.
• ability to contribute to a stimulating research environment.
• interest in public transport planning and operations.
• excellent communication skills, ability to cooperate with both scientists and transport professionals.
Special background advantages are travel behaviour analysis, demand modelling, and data analytics.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

The TU Delft offers an attractive, customisable compensation and benefits package, including 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 day care, before- and after-school care 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. The 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.

For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Niels van Oort, N.vanOort@tudelft.nl. To apply, please e-mail a detailed CV, proof of English language proficiency, abstract of your MSc thesis (1 page), 2 pages about your ideas of an approach and methodology to assess the impact of a new public transport line on passenger flows and quality, including elaborating on data and modelling aspects, along with a letter of application in a single PDF file entitled “CiTG17.24_Lastname.pdf” by 10 October 2017 to Dr. van Oort via Recruitment-CiTG@tudelft.nl. Please make sure to include in your document examples of projects in which you successfully demonstrate your public transport knowledge and modelling, and/or data analytics skills.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology (the 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. The 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. The TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

http://www.tudelft.nl

Civil Engineering & Geosciences

The Transport and Planning Department (T&P) has been awarded the maximum score for all research assessments for 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.