Future-oriented Urban Transport Modeling

Department of Civil and Environment Engineering has a vacancy for a PhD candidate in Future-oriented urban transport modeling. This position are part of a group of 4 PhD candidates working within the same topic. The position are part of a larger interdisciplinary project and lab, Mobility Elgeseter which aims to explore innovative and sustainable mobility solutions in an urban, campus environment.

Transport models are used to replicate various aspects of the transport system, and to predict and evaluate the results of changes to the system. Transport models are used for analyzing strategic decisions about the transport system, either to achieve goals or to estimate impacts of suggested initiatives. The objective of the PhD projects is to improve the state of the art of urban transport models by capitalizing on increased digitization and big data. The projects will explore how sources of dynamic data and passive data can be utilized to further develop and improve transport modelling.

In addition to addressing increased digitization, the projects will aim to further develop urban transport models to address the shifting focus from passenger car transport to active, public, and new modes of transport, and the need to integrate freight transport with passenger transport within models. While theoretical research is a key component within the projects, there will also be a strong focus on the applied aspects of this research. This includes the development of transport models for the Elgeseter case study area which can be used to understand both the current mobility picture and future mobility solutions. Finally, the projects will consider the integration of such models into an interactive platform for modeling and visualization in the 3D virtual environment of a digital twin, and consider how model inputs, results, and uncertainties can be better communicated to decision-makers.

For a position as a PhD Candidate, the goal is a completed doctoral education up to an obtained doctoral degree. The working place is Trondheim. The position reports to Professor.

• Undertaking the necessary courses (30 ECTS) as part of the PhD programme
• Submitting an application for admission and a research plan no later than 3 months after the employment
• Conducting high quality research and report progress on a regular basis and in agreement with the supervisors
• Engage and communicate with both academic partners and public stakeholders within the Mobility Elgeseter project
• Contribute to the dissemination of the research outcomes through conferences and publications

• International mobility requirements: Applicants of any age and any nationality will be eligible as far as they fulfil the mobility requirement of the COFUND programme, namely, the applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the host organization (Norway) for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the call deadline of PERSEUS. Candidates must at the date of the call deadline be within the first four years of their research careers and not yet be awarded a doctoral degree. Full-time equivalent research experience is measured from the date when the candidate obtained the degree entitling him/her to embark on a doctorate (e.g., from the Master’s degree).
• Education requirements: 5 years of higher education (BSC and MSC) or education equal to (300 ECTS). The grade requirements are B or higher (based on NTNU’s grading scale). Master’s degree must be completed by the call deadline. Education will have to be documented by diploma supplement or equivalent documentation in English and include a description of the educational system.
• International Relations do require Chinese diplomas to be verified using CHSI. The NTNU Office of International Relations will evaluate degrees and diplomas.
• Language skill requirements: The applicants will be asked to provide evidence of good English language skills, written and spoken. The following certificates may be used as such evidence: TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE).
• Export of Knowledge Control: The PhD candidates who, based on a comprehensive first-hand assessment, might come into conflict with legislation governing exports of knowledge, technology and services will not advance further from the first stage in the recruitment process. For further information, please refer to the Export Control Act.

In addition, the candidate must have:

• A professional relevant background in transport/traffic engineering, transport planning, urban planning, or other relevant fields. Those with a background in computer science or equivalent with applications within mobility may also be considered.

The appointment is to be made in accordance with  Regulations concerning the degrees of Philosophiae Doctor (PhD) and Philosodophiae Doctor (PhD) in artistic research national guidelines for appointment as PhD, post doctor and research assistant  

• Data analysis, modeling, or programming skills with relevant tools (e.g., generic tools like GIS and network analysis, transport modeling or traffic simulation tools, and scripting/coding tools like Python)
• Prior knowledge or experience with modeling and planning for freight transport, public transit, or active modes
• Prior knowledge or experience with big data, digital twins and/or digitization within mobility
• Good written and oral English

• Ambitious and motivated for research work in this field
• Able to work both independently and collaborate with inter- and cross-disciplinary research environments
• Flexible, reliable, and solution-orientated
• Good communication and dissemination skills

Emphasis will be placed on personal and interpersonal qualities.

• exciting and stimulating tasks in a strong international academic environment
• an open and inclusive work environment with dedicated colleagues
• favourable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• employee benefits

As a PhD candidate (code 1017) you are normally paid from gross NOK 501 200 per annum before tax, depending on qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The period of employment is 3 years.

Appointment to a PhD position requires that you are admitted to the PhD programme in Civil and Environment Engineering (Link to website) within three months of employment, and that you participate in an organized PhD programme during the employment period.

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NTNU. After the appointment you must assume that there may be changes in the area of work.

It is a prerequisite you can be present at and accessible to the institution daily.

The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in English.

Publications and other scientific work must follow the application. Please note that your application will be considered based solely on information submitted by the application deadline. You must therefore ensure that your application clearly demonstrates how your skills and experience fulfil the criteria specified above.

The application must include:

• CV including information relevant for the qualifications, submitted together with an identification document.
• Transcripts and diplomas for bachelor’s and master’s degrees. If you have not completed the master’s degree, you must submit a confirmation that the master’s thesis has been submitted.
• A copy of the master’s thesis. If you recently have submitted your master’s thesis, you can attach a draft of the thesis. Documentation of a completed master’s degree must be presented before taking up the position.
• A research interest description (maximum 2 pages) that includes a short presentation of the motivation for a PhD study, suitability for the position and the applicant’s view towards listed research challenges as well as the theoretical and methodological approach to the challenges.
• Scientific publications (if any). Joint works will be considered. If it is difficult to identify your contribution to joint works, you must attach a brief description of your participation.
• Applicants from universities outside of Norway will be requested to send a diploma supplement (or a similar document) which describes in details the study and grading system, and the rights for further studies associated with the obtained degree. Chinese applicants are required to provide confirmation of Master Diploma from China Credentials Verification (CHSI).
• Name and contact information of three referees

If all, or parts, of your education has been taken abroad, we also ask you to attach documentation of the scope and quality of your entire education, both bachelor’s and master’s education, in addition to other higher education. Description of the documentation required can be found here. If you already have a statement from NOKUT, please attach this as well.

We will take joint work into account. If it is difficult to identify your efforts in the joint work, you must enclose a short description of your participation.

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal and interpersonal qualities. Motivation, ambitions, and potential will also count in the assessment of the candidates.