Vacancy for a PhD researcher (100%) in mobility at the MOBI Mobility, Logistics and Automotive Technology Research Centre at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel in Brussels, Belgium
Role
The MOBI Mobility, Logistics and Automotive Technology Research Centre at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is looking for a doctoral researcher who will contribute to interdisciplinary research in the domains of transport, sustainability and socio-economic assessment. The goal is to complete a PhD based on the different research projects in which the researcher will have been involved. The candidate will contribute to the ongoing JPI Urban Europe research project Smart Mobility Hubs as Game Changers in Transport (Smarthubs) that examines mobility hubs, dedicated on-street locations where citizens can choose from different shared and sustainable mobility options. The main objective is to assess if a co-designed, usercentric development can enable mobility hubs to act as a game changer towards inclusive sustainable urban mobility and accessibility. In the living lab in Anderlecht (Brussels Region), the project will demonstrate the Smarthubs cocreation process for mobility hubs and appraise the feasibility and potential impact of such mobility hubs and cocreate the first neighbourhood-level prototype mobility hub with key stakeholders (citizens, businesses, transport operators, municipalities, etc.) with specific focus on vulnerable-to-exclusion persons (ethnic minorities, low-income, low-educated) as well as digital inclusion.
Tasks
• The candidate will carry out academic research in the domains of mobility and socio-economic assessment.
• She/he will contribute to the implementation of the Smarthubs living lab in Anderlecht by organising and implementing the co-creation process, liaising with local stakeholders and citizens through interviews and workshops.
• She/he will contribute to other Smarthubs tasks such as the development of key performance indicators, a co-creation approach and policy recommendations.
• She/he will assist the project manager (senior researcher and the team leader) in project management activities such as project reporting, organisation of workshops and conferences.
• She/he will write research reports and valorise research results in popular and academic publications.
• She/he will present research results at workshops and conferences.
• She/he will contribute to public dissemination activities.
• She/he will supervise master thesis students.
Profile
Essential:
• A Master’s Degree in Transportation, Transport Planning, Urban planning, Urban studies, Economics, Geography, Management, Commercial engineer (Handelsingenieur), Political science, Sustainable Development, Sociology or related discipline.
• Interest in mobility and socio-economic assessments
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English and French.
• The ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of partners.
• Good time management and planning skills, with the ability to meet tight deadlines and work effectively under pressure.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Excel and other Office applications
Additionally valued:
• Good qualitative research skills
• Knowledge of SPSS and GIS software
• Good knowledge of Dutch is an advantage.
Starting date: 1 September 2021
How to apply?
Please submit
• a CV with contact details of two references;
• a short cover letter (max 500 words) expressing your specific interest in working at MOBI and pursuing a PhD;
• a sample of a publication or report in English that you had substantial contribution to (e.g. Master’s thesis).
Deadline for applications: 28/07/2021
Candidates that have not yet acquired their Master’s degree can apply and participate in the selection procedure, but need to offer proof of registration in their Masters programme and need to have complied with all diploma requirements before starting their position at VUB-MOBI.
For more information please contact:
Prof. Dr. Imre Keseru, deputy co-director
email: Imre.Keseru@vub.be