PhD position “Bicycle simulator validation” (1.0 FTE)

Since its foundation in 1614, the University of Groningen has enjoyed an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative centre of higher education offering high-quality and innovative teaching and doing advanced research.

The Department of Psychology is part of the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, and offers Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes in both Dutch and English to over 3000 students. The Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences focuses both research and education on individuals and society, meaning that we study and teach about a broad range of issues relating to human behaviour, and the relationships between people and society as a whole.

The Department of Psychology at the University of Groningen invites applicants for a PhD position which is part of a co-operation between Delft University of Technology and the University of Groningen. The project is subsidised by the Province of Fryslân.

The increase in traffic accidents in which cyclists are involved is a serious public health concern. In 2019, 237 people died in the Netherlands as motorists and 203 as cyclists (CBS data). It is remarkable that among cyclist no decline in accident rate can be observed in contrast to a declining accident rate for car drivers. Developments such as increased e-bike use, the operation of mobile devices and interaction of bicycles with new vehicles require knowledge and methods to evaluate the behaviour of cyclists and the relationship with traffic. For this purpose at Delft University of Technology a new bicycle simulator will be developed and built the coming years. This simulator will allow for studying cyclist behaviour in a safe environment. The simulator should also allow for the assessment of cycling capability in rehabilitation and training.

The PhD student employed by the University of Groningen will co-operate with a peer in Delft. The tasks will entail a literature study on existing bicycle simulators, and surveying what is known with respect to simulator sickness and use for rehabilitation. The validation of behavioural effects by replicating studies that have been performed in the real world is an important task for the PhD student.

You will be working in the Traffic Psychology research group which is part of Clinical Neuropsychology and are expected to:

• perform research that results in a PhD thesis and fits with the aims and demands of the project
• publish the results of your studies in international scientific journals
• present your studies at international conferences as well as at project meetings
• contribute to project reports
• take part in teaching activities such as supervising bachelor or master thesis projects together with your supervisors, give lectures or engage in small-scale working group teaching.

We are looking for a candidate who:

• has completed a Master in Psychology (with a focus on Traffic or Experimental Psychology), Movement Science, or a scientific education that is closely related to this.
• is qualified and highly motivated to work on this topic,
• is particularly interested in conducting theory-based research with a high societal relevance
• has a creative and independent research attitude,
• can work independently, but can also work closely with a fellow PhD candidate at Delft University of Technology
• for this co-operation, is willing to travel to Delft frequently
• has social skills
• has demonstrable experience and interest in behavioural research and methodology
• is interested in technological innovations
• has affinity with rehabilitation
• has good communication skills in English
• Masters the Dutch language (or is willing to learn Dutch).

We offer you in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:

• a salary of € 2,434 gross per month in the first year up to € 3,111 gross per month in the fourth year based on a full-time position
• 8% gross annual income and an 8.3% end-of-the-year allowance. The University of Groningen offers excellent employment conditions. For more information see: https://www.labouragreementuniversities.nl
• a temporary position of four years. You will first be appointed for a period of 12 months. After a positive evaluation, the contract will be extended for the remaining period (3 years).

Intended starting date is as soon as possible

For information you can contact:

Prof. Dick de Waard, +31 50 3636761  [email protected]

(please do not use the email addresses above for applications)