PhD position: User-centric solutions for the transition to sustainable urban mobility

Sustainable urban mobility is crucial to create liveable and efficient cities. Research on innovations is necessary to understand the needs and preferences of residents and create transportation solutions.

The PhD candidate will work within the Transport Engineering and Management Research Group, Department of Civil Engineering, on the project ‘'User- centric solutions for the transition to sustainable urban mobility”. The position is associated with the Sector Plan Engineering program.

This PhD project examines:

The use of behavioural data analytics to understand travel patterns and develop targeted solutions to promote active modes and improve transportation efficiency.

(Multi-modal) accessibility modelling and equity analyses incorporating demand and supply characteristics of shared mobility services (e.g., micro-mobility, car sharing).

The user experience of emerging transport technologies in cities to encourage sustainable transportation options for different user groups, including non-digitally skilled. Mobile apps and digital platforms can provide real-time information on transportation options, such as public transportation schedules, bike-sharing locations, or the availability of car-sharing, carpooling/ridesharing, but are these options accessible for all citizens in our cities? And does this information drive behavioural change towards sustainable mobility?

New governance and business models of private and shared mobility services (station-based, free-floating, car sharing, carpooling and flexible mobility-activity hubs) to reduce car dependency and increase accessibility to opportunities in urbanized and less urbanized regions.

Your profile

MSc-level graduate in civil engineering, transport engineering and management, geo-information science, or related fields.

Excellent team member in an enthusiastic and hardworking group of scientists.

Excellent analytical and communication skills.

Strong interest in operating at the crossroads of different fields.

Proficient in written and oral English (C1; above IELTS 7 or equivalent)

Skilled in data analysis, statistical analysis, travel behaviour, quantitative transport modelling (e.g. travel demand, transport network modelling, accessibility analysis) and data analysis techniques (e.g., (spatial) data science, geo-visualisation).

Able to do independent research and willing to develop writing and publication skills

Women are explicitly asked to apply for this position. This is part of the University of Twente's strategy to increase the proportion of women among its faculty and to create a working environment that is diverse and inclusive and supportive of excellence in research and teaching.

Our offer

We offer a full-time 4-year PhD-position, with excellent mentorship and a stimulating research environment. We encourage high responsibility and independence while collaborating with colleagues, researchers, other university staff and partners. The gross monthly salary will be ranging from € 2.541,00 (first year), increasing each year up to € 3.247,00 in the fourth year. Salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU). You will have a minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.

We offer excellent fringe benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, a solid pension scheme, free access to sports facilities and a family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid).

Information and application

As a PhD candidate, you will be enrolled in the Twente Graduate School (TGS). The work location is Enschede.

Please submit your application before 17 March 2023 via the ‘'apply now” button below, including:

A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4), emphasizing specific interests, qualifications, motivations, and research ideas for the PhD project.

A full Curriculum Vitae, including an overview of all courses attended and grades obtained, references.

A short description (maximum 1-page A4) of your MSc research.

For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact: prof. dr. Karst Geurs ([email protected]) or dr. Anna Grigolon ([email protected]).

We plan to hold a round of interviews in the first two weeks of April 2023.

About the organisation

The Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) engages in education and research of Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering. We enable society and industry to innovate and create value using efficient, solid and sustainable technology. We are part of a ‘people-first' university of technology, taking our place as an internationally leading center for smart production, processes and devices in five domains: Health Technology, Maintenance, Smart Regions, Smart Industry and Sustainable Resources. Our faculty is home to about 2,900 Bachelor's and Master's students, 550 employees and 150 PhD candidates. Our educational and research programmes are closely connected with UT research institutes Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Center and Digital Society Institute.

Want to know more Geurs, K.T. (Karst)

Full Professor

Geurs, K.T. (Karst)

Full Professor

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Karst for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.

Contact

Phone:+31534891056

Email:[email protected]

How to apply Step 1

Apply. When you see a vacancy that appeals to you, you can apply online. We ask you to upload a CV and motivation letter and/or list of publications. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail.

Step 2

Selection. The selection committee will review your application and you will receive a response within 2 weeks after the vacancy has been closed.

Step 3

1st interview. The 1st (online or in person) meeting serves as an introduction where we introduce ourselves to you and you to us. You may be asked to give a short presentation. This will be further explained in the invitation.

Step 4

2nd interview. In the second interview, we will further discuss the job content, your skills and your talents.

Step 5

The offer. If the conversations are positive, you will be made a suitable offer.

Your Colleagues

Geurs, K.T. (Karst)

Personal page

Grigolon, A.B. (Anna)

Personal page

Our mission Human Touch

At the UT it's all about people, in line with our university's High Tech Human Touch philosophy. In everything we do, the well-being and future of our students and staff are paramount. From research and teaching to personnel management, campus management and the use of new technologies.

Our mission We are a university of technology

Our university is a public institution that serves society. We are accountable to society for the ways in which we use our academic freedom. We are responsible for ensuring that the power of science and technology is harnessed to achieve the best possible impact in a changing world. We cherish our rich tradition of combining technical and social sciences in our five profiling themes: Improving healthcare by personalized technologies; Creating intelligent manufacturing systems; Shaping our world with smart materials; Engineering our digital society; and Engineering for a resilient world.

Our mission We help to strengthen society

We help society meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. But we are also transparent about what science and technology can and cannot do in finding sustainable solutions. And help translate these solutions into everyday life.

Our mission We are sustainable

We want our communities to flourish and show resilience, so we seize opportunities for innovation. We are knowledgeable and have an eye for what society needs. Our students and staff receive all the guidance they need in their quest for ecological, social and economic sustainability. “The University of Twente is all about people. Our sustainable technologies help to strengthen society.”

Browse all jobs