Postdoc: conceptual framework for justice and wellbeing in transport & mobility

PostDoc: Conceptual Framework for Justice and Wellbeing in Transport & Mobility

Functieomschrijving

We are seeking a motivated

Postdoctoral Scholar

with background in

social sciences or humanities

, who is interested in pursuing

transdisciplinary research

at the interface of social sciences and engineering

in transport and mobility

.

The postdoc would contribute to a project aiming at developing a

conceptual philosophical framework

that can lead to mathematical planning models that account for justice and wellbeing in transport and mobility

. The postdoc is expected to collect, analyse and synthetise philosophical theories of

justice and wellbeing from philosophy and social science

, with special focus on their application to transport and mobility. They will work with engineering staff and students to

mobilize these concepts into optimization models

aimed at transport planning and mobility systems co-design, as part of the transition towards more sustainable and just mobility futures.

Specifically, the postdoc will first focus on transport and principles of justice1,2 and their application to accessibility3. Second, they will study and conceptualize wellbeing in transport and mobility, for instance, via the capabilities approach4-6. These theories will form the skeleton of a conceptual framework to be translated into optimization models. At the same time, the postdoc will explore critical theories and different narratives on transport and mobility7,

transcending the conventional view

on transport as "a matter of simply moving people and things across space"8,9. The explorations could include mobility studies, science and technology studies, transition studies, and history and philosophy of science and technology, and their nexus to mobility.

Overall, this project aims at establishing a

transdisciplinary nexus between social sciences and engineering in transport and mobility

, with the goal to shape their future in line with principles of justice and wellbeing. This draws on recent conceptual developments around justice and wellbeing in transport and mobility1,2,4,9,10, as well as emerging work on including justice in transport optimization models3.

The role will be in the MOVEMENT Research Group at the Control Systems Technology section (Department of Mechanical Engineering) under the supervision of Prof. Mauro Salazar, and in collaboration with Prof. Frauke Behrendt (Technology, Innovation & Society group, Department of Industrial Engineering and Innovation Sciences). Moreover, the Postdoc will also be able to benefit from the expertise of a transdisciplinary network of national and international collaborators.

Functie-eisen

We are looking for talented, enthusiastic, and open-minded candidates with excellent analytical and communication skills, as well as a strong academic profile. We require a

PhD in social sciences or humanities

 (e.g., applied philosophy, mobility studies, transition studies, urban/transport geography, history of technology, or a related field), a strength in

conceptual engagement

as well as some affinity in 

mathematics and quantitative analyses

, and experience or openness to

interdisciplinary collaboration

. Experience (or willingness to learn) in these areas is of advantage: 

theories/concepts of (social) justice and wellbeing, philosophy of economics, mobility studies, transport/urban planning, and engineering optimization

. Experience with the publication of journal articles is welcome. Most importantly, we seek someone eager to

engage with diverse perspectives and disciplines

, and to

rethink transport and mobility

in new and meaningful ways. Someone to join the challenge of developing conceptual, critical, theoretical work that can be operationalized in optimization models, towards creating future mobilities where justice and wellbeing are central.

Arbeidsvoorwaarden

We offer a competitive position for two years in a highly motivated and welcoming team at a dynamic and ambitious university. You will be part of a highly profiled transdisciplinary collaboration where expertise of a variety of disciplines come together. TU/e is in one of the smartest regions of the world and part of the European technology hotspot 'Brainport Eindhoven', well-known because of many high-tech industries and start-ups. Also, Eindhoven AI Systems Institute provides exciting opportunities and has responsible mobility as one of its focus areas. A place to be for talented scientists!

• Full-time employment for 2 years.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. €4,060 max. €5,331).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and a compensation for moving expenses.

Informatie en sollicitatie

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.

Information

.

Visit our website for more information about the or the You can also contact .

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

The application should include a:

• a short cover letter (stating personal goal and research interests);
• a complete Curriculum Vitae including a list of publications and contact information of two reference persons;
• a two-pager with some initial research ideas related to the project.

We do not respond to applications that are sent to us in any other form. Both national and international applications for these positions are appreciated. The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Promising candidates will be contacted by email.