Doctoral student in Traffic Safety with a focus on traffic simulation

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 47 000 students and more than 8 800 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.

Description of the workplace

Transport and Roads offer a unique and open environment for advanced research on traffic safety and behaviour. The group counts six senior researchers (postdocs and senior lecturers) and three PhD students. On the availability of the group, there is a traffic simulation lab with an advanced driving simulator. The group has several active projects in the field of traffic safety, European and national. The PhD position is open in conjunction with the ERC StG SUperSAFE project.

As a PhD student, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to ongoing projects that directly influence traffic safety policies and practices across Europe. In the SUperSAFE project you will work closely with senior researchers and gain invaluable experience in both independent and collaborative research. This position offers exciting opportunities for travel and collaboration both within Sweden and internationally.

Subject description

The project SUperSAFE is dedicated to exploring the profound impacts of digital and physical infrastructure on the interactions between Connected Autonomous Vehicles and conventional road users. The project aims to build a realistic simulation environment to study how the infrastructure affects the interaction of different road users and model it in a mathematical way to predict severe events. 

Work duties

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

The main tasks of the position are:

• Innovative Behavioral Modeling: You will contribute to the development of new behavioral models that simulate the interactions between conventional drivers and connected, automated vehicles. These models will be integrated into a cutting-edge, microscopic-level simulation environment.
• Advanced Traffic Simulation: Engage deeply in traffic simulation, starting from naturalistic data collection to creating scenarios that accurately reproduce real-world conditions. You will also plan and execute experiments to validate these simulations.
• Advanced Accident Prediction Techniques: Your work will also focus on developing computational methods for accident prediction using non-accident indicators. This includes applying Extreme Value Theory and other advanced statistical methods to predict and understand extreme events, ultimately contributing to safer road environments.

Admission requirements 

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant: 

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Technology and Society if the applicant has: 

• at least 30 credits awarded in the second cycle relevant to the subject area.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Personal characteristics such as independence and ability to structure your work.
• Experience of programming in Python and/or Matlab.

Assessment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following: 

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study. 
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems. 
3. Written and oral communication skills.
4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

Other assessment criteria

• It’s considered an additional qualification if you have experience with traffic simulation and/or software used for this.
• It’s considered an additional qualification if you have knowledge of advanced statistical methods.
• It’s considered an additional qualification if you have knowledge on Surrogate Measures of Safety.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. 
Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University. 

Terms of employment 

Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

How to apply

Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.). 

We also request a short sketch of a study or research idea you would like to do that is in line with the project (0.5-1 page). 

Welcome to apply!

LTH is Lund University’s Faculty of Engineering. At LTH we educate people, build knowledge for the future and work hard for the development of society. We create space for brilliant research and inspire creative advancements in technology, architecture and design. We have nearly 10,000 students. Every year, our researchers – many of whom work in world-leading profile areas – publish around 100 theses and 2 000 scientific findings. In addition, many of our research and degree projects are transformed into innovations. Together we explore and create – to benefit the world.

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