PhD Student in Transportation and Mobility Planning / PhD Student in Transportation and Mobility Planning

PhD Student in Transportation and Mobility Planning

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

Prof. Eva Heinen is seeking an ambitious PhD candidate to join her research group at the Institute for Transport Planning and Systems, Department of Transportation and Mobility Planning. Our research is both conceptually driven and empirical, aimed at enhancing resilience in urban areas concerning well-being, performance, sustainability, and health.

Project Background

We are looking for individuals with a strong interest in scientific work within our key research areas. Our group aims to expand causal knowledge of travel behavior and behavioral change in the field of transportation by conducting empirical research and integrating various research disciplines. Our mobility and transport research endeavors to advance conceptual and theoretical understanding of travel behavior and mobility. Our approach relies on strong theoretical foundations and primary data, employing a mix of methods to infer causality as effectively as possible, contributing to socially and environmentally desirable outcomes.

We are especially keen to hire someone interested in recreational travel, long-distance travel, or road safety, as we anticipate future projects in these domains. Swiss individuals tend to travel extensively for recreational purposes, with both the duration and distance of such travels increasing. Understanding and forecasting this demand is essential for environmental, social, and transportation reasons.

Traffic safety remains a paramount concern, particularly for active travel. As populations grow, demand for space intensifies, potentially leading to increased conflicts among road users. The rise in pedestrian fatalities in recent years, coupled with the growth in cycling, may further affect the safety of active travelers in the future. Understanding the underlying causes and trends while exploring optimal approaches is of critical importance.

Job Description

Key tasks of the new hire include:

• Successful authorship and defense of a doctoral dissertation in one of the core research areas of the group.
• Participation in ongoing research projects and support for new project acquisitions.
• Contribution to teaching and examinations.
• Authorship and successful publication of research papers in high-impact research journals.
• Active participation within the research group and through (inter)national networks and conferences.
• Participation in organizational and administrative tasks of the institute.

Profile

Requirements:

• MSc degree in fields such as transportation, civil engineering, computer science, urban analytics, spatial planning, geography, geoinformation, psychology, or a related qualification.
• Experience with primary data collection techniques, including questionnaire design.
• Very good command of written and spoken English (C1 or higher).
• Some knowledge of programming and data analysis and a willingness to learn more about scientific software packages (e.g., scripting languages, GIS software, MATLAB, Python, R, Stata, etc.).
• Enjoyment of scientific work.
• Ability to work in a team, problem-solving skills, and a sense of personal responsibility for task completion.
• Strong communication skills.

Desired Skills and Qualifications (not required but a plus):

• Advanced knowledge of transport planning or travel behavior.
• Demonstrated capability in writing high-quality scientific texts (e.g., publications or well-graded theses).
• Experience with simulation programs, big data analyses, or qualitative analyses. Familiarity with some of these methods/programs is desired.
• Good German language skills (B2 or higher) are advantageous.

Workplace

Your work will take place in one of the most liveable cities in the world, where ETH Zurich is committed to supporting your professional development while contributing to positive societal change. We maintain a strong pledge towards sustainability and climate neutrality, offering numerous benefits, including public transport season tickets, car sharing options, a wide range of sports activities, childcare, and attractive pension benefits.

We Value Diversity

In alignment with our values, ETH Zurich fosters an inclusive culture, promoting equality of opportunity and valuing diversity. We cultivate a working and learning environment that respects the rights and dignity of all staff and students. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn how we ensure a fair and open environment that supports personal and professional growth.

Curious? So Are We.

We aim to fill this position as soon as possible. The initial contract is planned for 18 months, with continuation determined by an aptitude colloquium. The total doctoral project is expected to take 4 years to complete.

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

For further inquiries regarding the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Eva Heinen at eheinen@ethz.ch (no applications via email).

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology, renowned for excellent education, advanced fundamental research, and the direct transfer of new knowledge into society. With over 30,000 students from more than 120 countries, our university fosters independent thinking and provides an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe and engaged with the world, we collaborate to create solutions for today's and tomorrow's global challenges.