Urban traffic systems are experiencing an increasing array of dynamic factors, from new means of transport to new infrastructure, technologies, or regulatory changes with uncertain safety consequences. Micro-simulation of traffic allows some effects of these changes to be tested and understood before any physical or operational changes are made in the real-world environment. However, existing micro-simulation techniques are strongly focused on traffic efficiency, and are limited in their ability to simulate (or model) safety outcomes, particularly non-motorised transport modes (such as bicyclists and micro-mobility) and pedestrians. The central challenge for this PhD position is to develop a predictive safety assessment framework for urban traffic systems.

The PhD researcher will contribute to the Horizon Europe project PHOEBE (Predictive Approaches for Safer Urban Environment ) which brings together the inter-disciplinary power of traffic simulation and road safety assessment into a harmonised, prospective assessment framework for road safety. This collaborative project consists of 11 partners across 7 countries in Europe and will last for four years (2022 to 2026).

The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Dr. Eleonora Papadimitriou and Dr. Amir Pooyan Afghari. Eleonora and Amir are assistant professors in transport safety at TU Delft. They have extensively worked in the area of road safety assessment.

Required:

• A Master's degree (or equivalent) in transport engineering with a background (ideally BSc) in civil engineering, computer science, or relevant fields; other Master's degrees will also be considered, for instance in safety science, management of technology or social sciences, if you have demonstrable expertise in conceptual and methodological problems and approaches in transport applications;
• Strong conceptual and analytical skills;
• Proven capacity to undertake research;
• Excellent research, academic writing and presentation skills;
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a team;
• High level of proficiency in English;
• Familiarity with traffic (micro)simulation and its software application tools such as Aimsun and VISSIM;
• Familiarity with advanced statistics (statistical tests and regression) and probability theories (probability distribution, Bayesian statistics).

Optional (desired, but not required):

• Familiarity with road safety through a Master’s thesis;
• Coding skills in one of the following languages: Python or R;
• Familiarity and hands-on experience with machine learning algorithms.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2541 per month in the first year to € 3247 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 as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

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Faculty Technology, Policy and Management

With its excellent education and research at the intersection of technology, society and policy, the Faculty of TPM makes an important contribution to solving complex technical-social issues, such as energy transition, mobility, digitalisation, water management and (cyber) security. We combine insights from the engineering sciences, the social and the humanities. We develop robust models and designs, are internationally oriented and have an extensive network with knowledge institutions, companies, social organisations and governments.

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