We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join the European UrbanAIR project, an interdisciplinary initiative focused on creating healthier and more sustainable cities by integrating environmental modeling, decision analysis, and behavioral simulation within a digital twin infrastructure. UrbanAIR develops innovative methods to assess how policy interventions influence urban mobility patterns, air pollution exposure, and population vulnerability.

The Role

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will be central to connecting behavioral decision-making with environmental exposure assessment through the development of an Agent-Based Model (ABM) that simulates mobility behavior in Barcelona.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of a behavioral model that simulates individual mobility decisions in urban environments and their evolution in response to policy interventions.
• Design and implement a mobility-focused Agent-Based Model for selected neighborhoods in Barcelona.
• Develop and conduct a discrete choice experiment or related choice modeling approach to identify behavioral preferences and mobility decision-making processes.
• Simulate the effects of policy interventions such as public transport incentives, active mobility measures, pricing schemes, or other behavioral interventions in collaboration with decision analysis experts.
• Collaborate closely with environmental modeling partners to translate simulated mobility patterns into estimates of population exposure and vulnerability.

Requirements

We are looking for candidates with:

• A PhD in Transportation, Environmental Psychology, Behavioral Economics, Computational Social Science, Industrial Ecology, Geography, Urban Studies, or a related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in choice modeling, including discrete choice experiments, stated preference methods, or travel behavior analysis.
• Strong quantitative and statistical skills.
• Experience in Agent-Based Modeling (e.g., NetLogo, Mesa, Repast, GAMA, AnyLogic, or similar platforms).
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work in interdisciplinary teams.
• Fluency in English.

Nice to Have

The following are considered strong assets:

• Experience with urban mobility research.
• Experience working with spatial data and GIS.
• Knowledge of air quality, environmental exposure, or sustainability transitions.
• Experience interacting with policymakers or stakeholders.

What We Offer

• Duration of contract: 2 years full-time, temporary external finance.
• A job of 32-40 hours per week.
• Salary and benefits in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• Excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• Flexibility to compile an individual employment package annually.
• Discounts with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• Flexible working week.
• 232 leave hours annually (at 38 hours), with options to sell or buy additional leave hours.
• Opportunities for education, training, and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave.
• Focus on working healthily and energetically through a vitality program.

If you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job, TU Delft will assist you in making the move as smooth as possible. The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, provides information to help prepare your relocation and organizes events to help you settle in and expand your network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Application Process

Interested candidates should apply by 16 August 2026 via the application button, submitting the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter
• A copy of your PhD thesis or notable publications.

Applications should be addressed to Dr. Amineh Ghorbani. Please apply online; applications sent by email or post will not be processed. Note that TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during recruitment to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology, based on information provided by candidates. More information about this assessment is available on our website regarding knowledge security.