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

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.

Requirements:

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.

Salary Benefits:

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.

38 hours per week

De Rondom 70