Postdoc Researcher in Behavioural Modelling and Urban Sustainability Transitions

Are you interested in developing innovative behavioural models to understand how urban mobility policies shape human behaviour, exposure, and environmental outcomes?

Job description

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.

Job requirements

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.

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 joining 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.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 2 years full time.
• Temporary external finance.
• 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.

This is an EU funded project, named UrbanAIR within the Horizon Europe programme.