Postdoc in User Acceptance of Automated Buses

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft); Delft; On-site; EUR 36,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) invites applications for a 2-year postdoctoral position focused on studying passenger acceptance of automated buses. The project links Delft Campus to TU Delft premises and involves collaboration with DAM Shuttles, MRDH, RET and HTM.

You will work within the SUM Lab in the Department of Transport & Planning. You will define evaluation plans, study user acceptance, and disseminate findings through reports and scientific papers.

Qualifications

• PhD in transport or a related field.
• Experience with user acceptance of automated transport.
• Ability to work independently and with public and private partners.
• Excellent English language and communication skills.
• Dutch language skills preferred and familiarity with the Dutch transport context.

Responsibilities

• Define impact assessment and evaluation plan.
• Research user acceptance and positioning in the public transport system.
• Consolidate lessons from the demonstration sites.
• Produce a final dissemination report.
• Write scientific papers and present results at conferences.

Skills

User acceptance research

Independent work

English proficiency

Dutch language skills

Education

PhD in transport or related field

Job description

Study how passengers experience automated buses and help evaluate a new service connecting Delft Campus station and the TU Delft campus.

Job description

This postdoc position is part of an international project aimed at automated bus transport. Automated buses have proven they can drive safely, but most still require onboard staff because supervision, safety assurance, and regulatory requirements must be met before driverless operation is possible. The project aims to remove this barrier by combining remote supervision, passenger safety monitoring, and fleet management into a single operational framework. With demonstrations in Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, the project aims to create deployment-ready solutions that can be scaled after 2030. Automated bus transport is essential to maintain and expand public transport services, enabling operators to deliver more public transport while supporting accessible and zero-emission mobility. For the demonstration in the Netherlands, the project plans to study an automated bus service connecting the train station Delft Campus to the TU Delft premises.

As postdoctoral researcher you will focus on the acceptance of automated buses. To apply vehicle automation in public transport at a larger scale, it is essential to carefully assess the acceptance by end users, understand the contribution of vehicle automation to the overall public transport system (for instance as first/last kilometer) and evaluate the lessons learned on the demonstration sites.

Specific tasks

• Definition of the impact assessment and evaluation plan.
• Conducting research into user acceptance and positioning in the public transport system.
• Consolidate lessons learned from the demonstration sites.
• Produce a final dissemination report.

Specific emphasis will be on the demonstration site in the Netherlands, working with DAM Shuttles and supported by the concession provider MRDH, the city of Delft and public transport operators RET and HTM. As postdoctoral researcher you will also write scientific papers and present results at conferences.

At TU Delft you will be part of the Sustainable Urban Multimodal mobility (SUM) Lab in the Department of Transport & Planning.

Job requirements

• You have obtained your PhD degree in transport or a related field.
• You have experience with user acceptance of automated transport and public transport systems.
• You have the capability and experience to work independently as well as with public and private parties.
• You have excellent English language and communication skills.
• Preferably you possess Dutch language skills and familiarity with the Dutch transport system and context.

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

Faculty of Civil Engineering and 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 availability, urbanisation and clean water. Our research projects are conductedin close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced of the importance of open science 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.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 2 years, expected starting date 1st January 2027. Temporary external finance.
• A job of 21-24 hours per week.
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• Flexible working week.
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional information

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contactProf Dr Bart van Arem, via [e-mail].