PhD: Researcher in Gaming for Self-Organisation in Transportation

The Trans-Sonic research project is funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO). The project aims at exploring and developing solutions for the self-organisation of the transport system through network integration and collaboration. The positions of the PhD researchers will be integrated within an interdisciplinary team, identifying technical and social barriers as well as enablers of multi-modal transportation. Possible solutions towards self-organisation of transportation will be developed with simulation gaming approaches. Such organisational solutions for setting up integrated, seamless multimodal transport services are key for delivering goods between mainports and the hinterland in a sustainable way. Core innovations that will be researched are sensor and interaction technologies and incentives for self-organisation as well as blockchain technologies. Thus, the PhD research will be carried out on the edge of two integrated disciplines - the study of the socio-technical system of intermodal trasnsportation with a strong focus on the social aspects, and the field of simulation gaming within policy analysis as the research and design instrument.

The PhD candidate will be based in the Policy Analysis section in the Multi-Actor Systems Department. The candidate preferably has an interdisciplinary background as well as a strong basis in the social sciences, e.g. Transport and Logistics as a Social System, Innovation Sciences, Science Technology Studies, or Management of Technology, with a background or at least a strong interest in Simulation Gaming. The candidate should have an affinity for engineering and technology, and good social and communication skills. Given that the majority of data will be in Dutch, proficiency in Dutch is preferred.

The 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. 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 graduateschool.tudelft.nl for more information.

For more information about this position or to apply, please contact Heide Lukosch, phone: +31 (0)15-2783211, email: h.k.lukosch@tudelft.nl. To apply, please e-mail a detailed CV along with a letter of application by 12 June 2017 to Heide Lukosch, h.k.lukosch@tudelft.nl.
When applying for this position, please refer to vacancy number ATTBM17.014.

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.

The position is in the Department of Multi-Actor Systems (MAS), which studies governance in and of large-scale technical systems. The section Policy Analysis aims at supporting strategic decision-making. Decision-makers in fields such as transport and spatial planning face complex challenges. Decisions they make today have long-term consequences. The uncertainty inherent in these large-scale systems makes it very difficult to have an overview of the consequences of decisions. Instruments used to get a picture of the decision processes are simulation gaming and modelling.