For decades, an important focus of many traffic management measures has been on improving traffic homogeneity as a prerequisite for improved traffic flow and performance. Traffic homogeneity, when harmonised, or traffic heterogeneity, when disturbances exist, relates to the extent to which minor differences between vehicles and disturbances in traffic are present and can influence the ability of a road reach optimum capacity. Disturbances can have many causes, such as lane vehicle maneuvers (e.g. lane-change, acceleration, deceleration), differences in vehicle capabilities and regulations (e.g. maximum speed limit or acceleration rates) and human driving styles. Disturbances can also be external, such as the influence of weather (precipitation, wind, luminance) or infrastructural (road curvature, road surface quality).

In the past decade, the increasing prospect of vehicle and infrastructure connectivity has appeared, as well as the introduction of the first automated vehicles, which build on decades of development of Advanced Driver Assistant Systems (ADAS). Much has been hypothesised about the potential influence of such technologies with a broad range of experimental (field testing and simulated) work being performed. However, there remains a lack of deeper theoretical understanding of the extent to which these technologies will influence the fundamental aspects of traffic heterogeneity, which is so key to traffic performance.

This PhD project is therefore initiated with the express purpose to investigate and develop traffic theory on traffic heterogeneity with the view of a future with mixed connected automated vehicles and connected (road-side) technology.

Some main elements of the project may include:

• Study the current state-of-the-art in traffic heterogeneity and the influence of connected technologies, ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance systems) and ADS (Automated Driving Systems) on traffic flow and heterogeneity
• Empirically investigate the influence of current vehicles and vehicle technology on traffic heterogeneity (incl. ADAS and early ADS)
• Investigate (experimentally) the influence of future vehicles and vehicle technology on traffic heterogeneity (incl. higher levels of ADS and vehicle/infrastructure connectivity)
• Develop theory to describe traffic and vehicle dynamics in current and future traffic flow
• Develop a model based on the developed theory that is implementable to perform impact assessment of future traffic with connectivity and connected automated vehicles

• A Master's degree in a relevant field, i.e. Transportation,  Mathematics or Applied Sciences
• Good knowledge of traffic theory and traffic modelling & simulation
• Strong programming and software engineering skills are a preference.
• Ability to work both in a project team, but also independently and take leadership and responsibility for research tasks
• A passion for scientific research in close cooperation with practice
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and oral

If your mother language is not English and you do not hold a degree from an institution in which English is the language of instruction, you must submit proof of English proficiency from either TOEFL (minimum total score of 100) or IELTS (minimum total score of 7.0). Proof of English language proficiency certificates older than two years are not accepted.        

Fixed-term contract: 4 Years.

TU Delft offers PhD-candidates a 4-year contract, with an official go/no go progress assessment after one year. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2.434 per month in the first year to € 3.111 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Civil Engineering & Geosciences

The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Our research feeds into our educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource depletion, urbanisation and the availability of clean water, conducted  in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced that Open Science helps to achieve our goals and supports its scientists in integrating Open Science in their research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in the following seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences.