Are you interested in developing innovative behavioural models to understand how urban mobility policies shape human behaviour, exposure, and environmental outcomes?
We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join the European UrbanAIR project, an interdisciplinary initiative that aims to support healthier and more sustainable cities by integrating environmental modelling, decision analysis, and behavioural simulation within a digital twin infrastructure.
UrbanAIR develops innovative methods to assess how policy interventions influence urban mobility patterns, air pollution exposure, and population vulnerability.
The postdoctoral researcher will play a central role in connecting behavioural decision-making with environmental exposure assessment through the development of an Agent-Based Model (ABM) of mobility behaviour in Barcelona.
Research Responsibilities
The successful candidate will lead the development of a behavioural model that simulates how individuals make mobility decisions in urban environments and how these decisions evolve in response to policy interventions.
Key responsibilities include:
- Designing and implementing a mobility-focused Agent-Based Model for selected neighbourhoods in Barcelona.
- Developing and conducting a discrete choice experiment (or related choice modelling approach) to identify behavioural preferences and mobility decision-making processes.
- Simulating the effects of policy interventions such as public transport incentives, active mobility measures, pricing schemes, or other behavioural interventions developed in collaboration with decision analysis experts.
- Collaborating closely with environmental modelling partners to translate simulated mobility patterns into estimates of population exposure and vulnerability.
We are looking for candidates with:
- A PhD in Transportation, Environmental Psychology, Behavioural Economics, Computational Social Science, Industrial Ecology, Geography, Urban Studies, or a related field.
- Demonstrated expertise in choice modelling, such as discrete choice experiments, stated preference methods, or travel behaviour analysis.
- Strong quantitative and statistical skills.
- Experience in Agent-Based Modelling (e.g., NetLogo, Mesa, Repast, GAMA, AnyLogic, or similar platforms).
- Excellent communication skills and ability to work in interdisciplinary teams.
- Fluency in English.
The following are considered strong assets:
- Experience with urban mobility research.
- Experience working with spatial data and GIS.
- Knowledge of air quality, environmental exposure, or sustainability transitions.
- Experience interacting with policymakers or stakeholders.
TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
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 Technology, Policy & Management
The Faculty of TPM provides an important contribution to solving complex technical-social issues, such as energy transition, mobility, digitalisation, water management and (cyber) security. TPM does this with its excellent education and research at the intersection of technology, society and policy. We combine insights from both engineering and social sciences as well as the humanities. TPM develops robust models and designs, is internationally oriented and has an extensive network of knowledge institutions, companies, social organisations and governments.
Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management.
Conditions of employment
- Duration of contract is 2 years full time. Temporary external finance.
- A job of 32-40 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
For additional information about this project feel free to contact dr. Amineh Ghorbani, email: a.ghorbani@tudelft.nl.
For information about the application procedure, contact the HR Advisor Martine van de Vorst, email: recruitment-tbm@tudelft.nl.
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 16 August 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:
- CV
- Motivational letter
- A copy of your PhD thesis or publications which you are most proud of.
You can address your application to dr. Amineh Ghorbani.
This is an EU funded project, named UrbanAIR with project number 101188131 within the horizon Europe programme.
Please note:
- You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
- As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
- Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.
