The department of Cognitive Robotics at the Delft University of Technology invites applicants for a PhD-student position in the NWO-funded Transitions in Behaviour project, “Towards Safe Mobility for All: A Data-Driven Approach”.

Road traffic accidents are a public health concern. Young drivers are at risk due to inexperience and overconfidence, whereas older (both private and professional) drivers are at risk due to physical and cognitive decline. At the same time, mobility is an important correlate of quality-of-life. Vehicles are increasingly equipped with sensors, making it feasible to support the driver with feedback on his or her performance. Large opportunities exist for data-driven feedback in facilitating behaviour change and a societal transition towards safer mobility. We envision feedback at various temporal levels, from short-term (real-time) to long-term (artificial intelligence accumulating knowledge about the driver’s style).

You will examine how a data-driven approach can facilitate a transition towards safe mobility. You will investigate how vehicle data should be processed for a valid assessment of the performance of young drivers, how personalised automatic feedback can help older drivers remain mobile, and how monitoring and feedback can keep professional drivers drive safely on the road.  You will also examine whether a data-driven approach is scalable so that it evokes behavioural change at the population level.

You will work in a challenging international environment, with access to state-of-the-art lab facilities. You will participate in a multidisciplinary team with strong academic and industrial partnerships, and you will benefit from a collaborative research context. This project will be conducted in close cooperation with the University of Groningen, where another PhD student will be focusing on the behavioural aspects of the project, both at an individual and a population level.

Applicants should have the following qualifications:

• MSc degree in computer science or engineering with a profound interest (or specialization) in human-machine interaction, transport, and human behaviour.
• Interest in human-subject research, signal processing, and big data.
• Ability to build prototype applications to test among the user groups.
• Embracement of open science principles and modern communication tools.
• Ease with teamwork, willingness to present at conferences and scientific events, willingness to engage with and travel to project partners.

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.

Technische Universiteit Delft

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.

Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

The 3mE Faculty trains committed engineering students, PhD candidates, and post-doctoral researchers in groundbreaking scientific research in the fields of mechanical, maritime, and materials engineering. 3mE is the epitome of a dynamic, innovative faculty, with a European scope that contributes to demonstrable economic and social benefits.

You will be part of the Cognitive Robotics department. The main focus of the Cognitive Robotics department is the development of intelligent robots and vehicles that will advance mobility, productivity, and quality of life. Our mission is to bring robotic solutions to human-inhabited environments, focusing on research in the areas of machine perception, motion planning and control, machine learning, and interaction of intelligent machines with humans. Strong collaborations exist with the cross-faculty institutes TU Delft Robotics Institute and TU Delft Transport Institute, our national robotic ecosystem (RoboValley, Holland Robotics), and international industry and academia.