Postdoc in AI-driven Traffic Heterogeneity and Cooperative Mixed Traffic Control

Postdoc in AI-driven Traffic Heterogeneity and Cooperative Mixed Traffic Control at TU Delft

Shape the future of AI-powered traffic management. Join TU Delft to improve both real-time operations and long-term planning using predictive and explainable AI.

Job description

We invite applications for a postdoctoral researcher position at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) focused on AI-supported traffic prediction and planning, spanning both short-term operational decisions and long-term infrastructure interventions. You will contribute to two integrated use cases within the AIM-TT (AI Methods for Traffic and Transportation) program, in collaboration with Rijkswaterstaat, NDW, TU Eindhoven, Arane, and d-fine.

Use Case 1 focuses on the real-time prediction of traffic flow and capacity under acute disruptions—such as incidents, roadworks, or active traffic management—on a sensitive motorway segment near the Ketheltunnel (A4). Your task will be to develop hybrid AI models that fuse traffic engineering principles with machine learning to provide realistic, explainable, and timely predictions. These models will support operators in selecting appropriate traffic management measures under uncertainty.

Use Case 2 explores the use of AI for the planning and phasing of large-scale roadworks, using the reconstruction of the A13–A16 connection near Rotterdam as a real-world testing ground. Your role involves identifying causal relationships between interventions and traffic outcomes, developing prediction models, and analyzing "what-if" scenarios to support multi-objective planning decisions.

You will work closely with a second postdoc at TU Eindhoven who focuses on simulation and optimization, while your focus lies on prediction, data fusion, and causal modeling. The postdoc position is embedded in the Transport & Planning section of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, offering access to a dynamic research environment and a strong international network.

Your responsibilities include:

• Developing hybrid AI models for traffic prediction under disrupted and planned conditions.
• Fusing real-time and historical data from various sources (e.g. loop detectors, FCD).
• Collaborating with TU Eindhoven on the development of a joint decision support and simulation environment.
• Publishing in high-impact scientific journals and conferences.
• Supporting MSc thesis supervision and contributing to research proposals and outreach activities.

The project offers a unique opportunity to work on real-world, high-stakes challenges in mobility with direct societal relevance, combining academic depth with practical applicability.

Job requirements

We seek a motivated and collaborative researcher who brings both technical expertise and an interest in applied, societally relevant AI research. The ideal candidate has:

• A PhD (or is close to completion) in Transportation Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in traffic modeling, traffic operations, or behavioral modeling.
• Familiarity with AI methods such as time-series modeling, Kalman filtering, causal inference, or deep learning.
• Strong programming skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB) and experience with mobility datasets (e.g., loop detectors, floating car data).
• A strong interest in hybrid approaches combining machine learning with domain knowledge.
• Excellent communication skills in English and an ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.

Experience with real-time traffic prediction, scenario analysis, or traffic planning tools is considered a plus.

TU Delft (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 as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

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 conducted in 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.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 2 years.
• A job of 36-40 hours per week.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

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 contact Serge Hoogendoorn, Professor, S.P.Hoogendoorn@tudelft.nl.