DRESDEN-concept Career Offers

Description of the PhD topic (subproject C1 - New metrics for transportation system appraisal): Transportation systems must deliver “function” (i.e., traditional performance-related metrics), “form” (i.e., livability), and “fairness” (i.e., equity, environmental justice, etc.), on a timeline that aims towards “forever” (i.e., sustainability). This project aims to develop responsible transport appraisal methods that consider multiple performance metrics simultaneously, with a special emphasis on fairness to weigh different circumstances, constraints, and considerations. To achieve these research objectives, we will develop appraisal portfolios differing by their fairness perspectives and focused population groups. Then, we will implement bi-level network design optimization and sensitivity experiments for each portfolio design problem to explore the outcomes for correlation and causation between the metrics, groups, and network changes, and establish Pareto optimal conditions that enable planners to make informed and responsible trade-offs among conventions and population groups.

Tasks: Independent and cooperative qualification through scientific research within the project; training in the technical tasks of the individual dissertation topic through study of the literature and in making the objectives more precise; working on the individual PhD study project with its focus on transport modeling, network design, and data analytics in collaboration with other CRC members (fellow students and supervising professors); implementation of the planned research program, evaluation and interpretation of the results, elaboration and presentation of the research; participation in lectures, workshops and summer schools according to the guidelines of the RTG curriculum; supporting scientific graduation work (Bachelor/Master/Diploma) in the subject-specific research field; regular reporting on research progress to the supervising professors; publishing the results of the research work individually and in concert with others; cooperative maintenance of internal exchange platforms (database, information pages, etc.); summarizing the results of the individual doctoral study project in a dissertation within the due time of 3 years and 9 months. Successful candidates will work together with approx. 3 doctoral researchers and 5 post-doctoral researchers at the Chair of Transport Modelling and Simulation and together with the other universities and chairs being part of the CRC.

excellent or very good university degree (diploma, master's degree) in transport or related study programs (e.g., civil engineering, industrial engineering, computer science, etc) with a solid foundation in transport modeling, optimization, and/or data analytics.

General Requirements: We are looking for first-class graduates with expertise in the CRC-addressed PhD subjects, high interdisciplinary desire to learn and willingness to cooperate, openness for internationalization and diversity, very good verbal and written English communication skills as well as the absolute determination to submit the dissertation after 3 years and 9 months of research. Desired requirements specific to this project include:

1. experience with a range of relevant computer programming languages such as Python, R, C/C++ and/or Java, etc.;
2. experience with the implementation of specialized transport modelling software, optimization algorithms and procedures;
3. strong ability and desire to learn new programming languages and technologies as needed by collaborative research activities

• Pioneering Research Environment: Shape the future of data-driven transport planning and management through the involvement in collaborative research.
• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Immerse yourself in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment, where you'll work alongside experts from fields such as transport and urban planning, engineering, data science, computer science.
• Skill Development: Our extensive qualification concept goes beyond research, offering targeted training in research methods, project management, and leadership skills. This ensures you graduate not only as a specialist in your field but also as a well-rounded professional.
• Global Networking: Collaborate with our network of local and international partners, fostering connections that transcend geographical boundaries and enrich your academic and professional network. This includes a paid research stay abroad for three months.
• Career Advancement: Receive dedicated support for fellowship applications and tailored guidance for your career.
• Quality of Life in Dresden: Experience a high quality of life in Dresden, with its dynamic urban scene, relatively affordable living, rich cultural offerings, and vibrant nightlife.
  Further questions regarding the open PhD positions can be discussed with the supervisor, Prof. Dr. Steven Travis Waller (steven_travis.waller@tu-dresden.de).

TUD strives to employ more women in academia and research. We therefore expressly encourage women to apply. The University is a certified family-friendly university. We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities. If multiple candidates prove to be equally qualified, those with disabilities or with equivalent status pursuant to the German Social Code IX (SGB IX) will receive priority for employment.
Please submit your detailed application including a cover letter detailing your research interests stating the job-ID “TRR408-C1” along with your curriculum vitae, academic transcripts with marks, a letter of recommendation and your publications (if applicable) by July 30, 2025 (stamped arrival date of the university central mail service or the time stamp on the email server of TUD applies), preferably via the TUD SecureMail Portal https://securemail.tu-dresden.de by sending it as a single PDF-file to katrin.gloeckner@tu-dresden.de or to: TU Dresden, TRR 408, Herrn Prof. Dr. S. Travis Waller, Helmholtzstr. 10, 01069 Dresden, Germany. Please submit copies only, as your application will not be returned to you. Expenses incurred in attending interviews cannot be reimbursed.

Reference to data protection: Your data protection rights, the purpose for which your data will be processed, as well as further information about data protection is available to you on the website: https://tu-dresden.de/karriere/datenschutzhinweis.