PhD student in Transportation and Mobility Planning

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

Prof. Eva Heinen is seeking ambitious PhD candidates to join her research group at the Institute for Transport Planning and Systems, Department of Transportation and Mobility Planning.

Project background

Prof. Heinen’s group aims to expand causal knowledge on travel behaviour and behavioural change in the field of transport by conducting empirical research and combining different research disciplines. A key research focus is to conduct natural experimental studies and to develop a panel. The research is conceptually driven and empirical. The motivation for our research is to enhance resilience in urban areas in terms of well-being, performance, sustainability, and health.

Candidates should have an interest in the core research areas of Prof. Heinen’s research group including:

• The impact of the built environment on mobility
• Travel behaviour
• Active travel and micro-mobility
• Urban logistics, with a focus on shopping behaviour
• Inequalities, both between socio-economic groups, but also spatial differences such as urban and rural residents

Other research topics are welcome, as long as they match the group leader’s general vision and are complementary to the group’s core research areas.

Job description

Duties/Job description:

• Participation in (ongoing) research projects and support for the acquisition of new research projects
• Contribution to teaching and examinations
• Successful authorship and defense of a doctoral dissertation on one of the research group’s core research areas
• Authorship and successful publication of research papers in high-impact research journals
• Active participation both within the research group and via (inter)national networks and conference
• Participation in the organizational and administrative tasks of the institute

Your profile

(I) Requirements:

• MSc degree in the fields of transportation, civil engineering, computer science, spatial planning, geography, geoinformation, psychology or an equivalent qualification
• Very good knowledge of written and spoken English (C1 or higher)
• Some knowledge of programming and data analysis and a willingness to familiarize yourself further with scientific software packages (e.g., scripting languages, GIS software, MATLAB, R, Stata, etc.)
• Enjoyment of scientific work
• Ability to work in a team, have problem-solving skills, and the ability to self-organize and take personal responsibility in the fulfilment of tasks
• Good communication skills

(II) Desired skills and qualifications (not required but a plus):

• Advanced knowledge of the field of transport planning or travel behaviour
• Demonstrated ability to write high-quality scientific texts (e.g., very well graded theses or publications)
• Experience with simulation programs, big data analyses, or qualitative analyses. N.B. it is not expected/desired that you have experience with all of these methods/programs, but familiarity with some are desired
• Good German language skills (B2) or the willingness to gain sufficient knowledge in written and spoken German

With the social and leadership competencies , ETH Zurich has developed a common understanding for a shared work culture. Kindly try to incorporate these six competencies into your recruitment.

Your workplace

Your workplace

We offer

This position will be available, with an ideal starting date between July 2024 and September 2024, or further upon agreement; the planned duration of the initial contract is 18 months, after which an aptitude colloquium will determine the further continuation of the project. The total doctoral project is expected to be finished in 4 years in total.

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Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• A (short) letter of motivation. The goal of your letter of motivation should be to help us gauge your interest and motivation in pursuing research in transport and mobility planning at the ETH Zürich
• CV
• The names and email addresses of people who could provide a reference (letter) (between two and five individuals)
• Two key outputs

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Further information about the institute can be found on our website and about Prof. Dr. Eva Heinen . Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Dr. Eva Heinen [email protected] (no applications).

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.