PhD Student or Postdoctoral position in Data-Driven Sustainable Mobility

About the research for the position

The transport sector accounts for approximately a quarter of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Traffic congestion and safety issues are significant contributors to economic losses and accidents worldwide. To accelerate the transition to emission-free, more efficient, and safer transportation systems, the world has seen remarkable advancements in emerging transport technologies such as electric and intelligent transport systems, as well as shared mobility solutions. These innovations offer promising avenues to revolutionize current mobility systems and contribute significantly to the development of sustainable mobility.

The research in this position will focus on advancing one or more of the following topics (but is not limited to):


• Digitalized and data-driven solutions: Assessment, planning, and management of micromobility and shared mobility in line with digitalization advancements.
• Big data analytics for electric mobility: Infrastructure design, operational optimization, and analysis of user behavior for future scenarios using data-driven methods.

Other relevant topics may be explored based on mutual discussion.

Please note only one position (either a PhD or a postdoc) will be filled. Candidates for PhD student and postdoctoral researcher positions will be evaluated separately.

About the research group

The position will be supervised by Kun Gao, leader of the Urban Mobility Systems research area at the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, and co-supervised by Sonia Yeh, Professor at the Department of Space, Earth and Environment. The Urban Mobility Systems research group focuses on infrastructure and systematic solutions for sustainable mobility. The team has secured substantial funding from EU programs, the Swedish Innovation Agency, the Swedish Energy Agency, and FORMAS, reflecting its leadership in sustainable mobility research.

The group maintains close collaborations with major industry partners, including Volvo, Scania, and Swedish municipalities such as Stockholm and Gothenburg. In recent years, the team’s efforts have resulted in numerous high-quality research publications, successful research grants, and expanded international partnerships. Joining this team offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking work in sustainable mobility, supported by expert guidance and a collaborative environment.

Major responsibilities

PhD student
As a PhD student, your primary responsibility will be to pursue doctoral studies aligned with the research group’s strategic themes. Key tasks include:


• Completing PhD-level courses at Chalmers and acquiring additional knowledge to enhance your research skills and competence.
• Developing and communicating your scientific concepts and findings through publications and presentations.
• Engaging actively with researchers and practitioners in academia and society at large.
• Contributing 5–20% of your time to departmental work, such as teaching or supervising undergraduate students.

 Read more about doctoral studies at Chalmers here.

Postdoctoral researcher
As a Postdoc, your primary responsibility will be to conduct independent research aligned with the research group’s strategic goals. Key tasks include:


• Carrying out research, publishing scientific articles, and contributing to academic discussions.
• Developing and communicating scientific concepts through publications and presentations.
• Collaborating with researchers and practitioners in academia and society.
• Participating in a limited amount of teaching and supervision activities.

Qualifications

You must have a master's level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits to be qualified for the PhD position, and have a PhD degree not older than 3 years prior to the application deadline to be qualified for the postdoc position, in one of the following relevant fields: Transport engineering; Operation research; Data science; Artificial intelligence; Urban planning; Environmental engineering; Computer science; or other subjects that fit the requirements of the position.

Required competence and skills including:


• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English (Swedish is a merit but not mandatory).
• A strong academic or professional background in one of the relevant fields.
• Demonstrated commitment to academic research and long-term career development.
• Solid understanding of statistics and algebra.
• Proficiency in programming for big data analysis and optimization.

Meritorious experience and skills


• Experience with big data analysis and AI algorithms for transport-related challenges.
• Research on shared mobility or electric transportation.
• Expertise in deep learning, optimization, or digital tool development (e.g., dashboards, software).
• Strong presentation and communication skills.

Contract terms


• PhD student position: Full-time, up to five years.
• Postdoc position: Full-time, two years.

 What we offer


• Opportunities to work with leading researchers in sustainable mobility.
• Professional and academic development for future career growth.
• Close collaboration with internationally renowned institutions and industry leaders.
• A supportive and dynamic working environment.
• Comprehensive social welfare benefits in Sweden, including competitive salaries.

Chalmers provides a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Application procedure
To apply, please go to: https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/work-with-us/vacancies/?rmpage=job&rmjob=13566


Application deadline: 25 February, 2025



For questions, please contact:
Kun Gao, Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering
gkun@chalmers.se

Sonia Yeh, Professor, Department of Space, Earth and Environment
sonia.yeh@chalmers.se