PhD student in Transportation and Mobility Planning
100%, Zurich, fixed-term
We are looking for an ambitious PhD candidates to join our group Transportation and Mobility Planning.
We aim to expand causal knowledge on travel behaviour and behavioural change in the field of transport by conducting empirical research and combining different research disciplines. Our research is conceptually driven and empirical. The motivation for our research is to enhance resilience in urban areas in terms of well-being, performance, sustainability, and health.
Project background
We are looking for motivated individuals to do a PhD in our key research areas. We are especially interested in candidates with an interest in either traffic safety and/or personal security and/or active travel in relation to transport and mobility planning. Other research topics are welcome, as long as they match the group's general vision and are fitting and complementary to the group skills and research areas.
Job description
- Participation in (ongoing) research projects and support for the acquisition of new research projects
- Contribution to teaching and examinations
- Authorship and successful publication of research papers in high-impact research journals
- Successful authorship and defense of a doctoral dissertation on one of the research group’s core research areas
- Active participation both within the research group and via (inter)national networks and conferences
Profile
Requirements:
- MSc degree in the fields of transportation, civil engineering, computer science, spatial planning, geography, geoinformation, psychology, economics, or an equivalent qualification. You must have a Msc certificate before you start
- Very good knowledge of written and spoken English (C1 or higher)
- Knowledge of data analysis and/or programming and a willingness to familiarize yourself further (e.g., R, Pyton, GIS software, Stata, etc.)
- Enjoyment of scientific work
- Ability to self-motivate, self-organize and take personal responsibility in the fulfilment of tasks
- Good communication skills, ability to work in a team and good problem-solving skills
Desired skills and qualifications (not required but a plus):
- Demonstrated ability to write high-quality scientific texts (e.g., very well graded theses or publications)
- Experience with simulation programs, big data analyses, or qualitative analyses. N.B. it is not expected/desired that you have experience with all of these methods/programs, but familiarity with some are desired
- Good German language skills (B2)
Workplace
Workplace
We offer
- Your career with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society.
- We are actively committed to a sustainable and climate-neutral university.
- You can expect numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare and attractive pension benefits.
We value diversity
Curious? So are we.
This position will be available, with an ideal starting date between now and 1. September 2025. The planned duration of the initial contract is 18 months. An aptitude colloquium will take place at the end of the first year and determine the further continuation. The total doctoral project is expected to be finished in 4 years in total.
We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:
- A (short) letter of motivation (max 2 A4). The goal of your letter of motivation should be to help us gauge your interest and motivation in pursuing a PhD in our group, your skills, and your key areas of research interest. Please elaborate on your motivation and research interest in detail (1 paragraph each). We strongly advice against using AI to write this.
- CV
- The names and email addresses of people who could provide a reference (between two and five individuals). No letters needs to be submitted at this moment! References will only be sought after we complete our interviews.
- One or two outputs. This can be your Msc dissertation, your Bsc dissertation, a coursework, or anything else you think shows a skill relevant for the position.
- An overview of your grades.
- Please clearly indicate your potential starting date. If you do not have a MSc yet, please also indicate the date you expect to have all results of your MSc.
Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. We plan to close the portal at teh end of February.
Further information about the institute can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Dr. Eva Heinen eheinen@ethz.ch (no applications). We plan to start shortlisting early March.
For recruitment services the GTC of ETH Zurich apply.
About ETH Zürich
Curious? So are we.
This position will be available, with an ideal starting date between now and 1. September 2025. The planned duration of the initial contract is 18 months. An aptitude colloquium will take place at the end of the first year and determine the further continuation. The total doctoral project is expected to be finished in 4 years in total.
We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:
- A (short) letter of motivation (max 2 A4). The goal of your letter of motivation should be to help us gauge your interest and motivation in pursuing a PhD in our group, your skills, and your key areas of research interest. Please elaborate on your motivation and research interest in detail (1 paragraph each). We strongly advice against using AI to write this.
- CV
- The names and email addresses of people who could provide a reference (between two and five individuals). No letters needs to be submitted at this moment! References will only be sought after we complete our interviews.
- One or two outputs. This can be your Msc dissertation, your Bsc dissertation, a coursework, or anything else you think shows a skill relevant for the position.
- An overview of your grades.
- Please clearly indicate your potential starting date. If you do not have a MSc yet, please also indicate the date you expect to have all results of your MSc.
Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. We plan to close the portal at teh end of February.
Further information about the institute can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Dr. Eva Heinen eheinen@ethz.ch (no applications). We plan to start shortlisting early March.
For recruitment services the GTC of ETH Zurich apply.