Role
The Mobilise Mobility and Logistics Research Group at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is looking for a doctoral researcher who will contribute to interdisciplinary research in the domains of transport, participation, sustainability and socio-economic assessment. The goal is to complete a 4-year PhD based on the different research projects in which the researcher will have been involved. The research and approach will be entirely embedded in the research projects of Mobilise in line with the skills and knowledge background of the candidate. The topic of the PhD will be related to urban mobility and participatory planning building on possible links to ongoing research.
The initial assignment of the candidate will be in the framework of the ongoing 'Streetforum - Transforming streets into accessible urban oases through consensus building with digital and analogue tools' European research project. The project will develop the StreetForum Toolkit to help urban authorities, citizens and civic organisations to build consensus around street transformation projects affecting accessibility in urban neighbourhoods. It will consist of analogue and digital tools that help consensus building and negotiation of access and design. We will develop stakeholder personas and narratives representative of street transformation, a collaborative digital crowdsourcing tool, a consensus making design game, an online street value assessment platform, a physical mobile co-design cart, guidelines for using art installations and cultural events as well as governance guidelines. The toolkit will be tested in four living labs (Brussels, Vienna, Stockholm, Istanbul) to evaluate its impact, transferability and scalability and will be available as free-to-use resources for the broader community. VUB is participating in a living lab in Anderlecht, Brussels.
Tasks
- The candidate will carry out academic research in the domains of mobility, participation and socio-economic assessment.
- She/he will contribute to the implementation of ongoing research projects in the fields of urban mobility.
- 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.
- Demonstrated interest in mobility, sustainability, participation and socio-economic assessments.
- Strong oral and written communication skills in English.
- 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.
- Good qualitative research skills or strong interest to develop them.
- Good knowledge of French.
Additionally valued:
- Good quantitative research skills.
- Knowledge of SPSS/GIS software.
- Good knowledge of Dutch is an advantage.
Possible starting date: as soon as possible
How to apply?
Please send to Imre.Keseru@vub.be
- a CV with contact details of a reference;
- a short cover letter (max 500 words) expressing your specific interest in working at Mobilise and pursuing a PhD;
- a sample of a publication or report preferably in English that you had substantial contribution to (e.g. Master's thesis).
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-Mobilise.
Deadline to apply: 26 January 2024.
For more information please contact:
Prof. Dr. Imre Keserü, deputy director: Imre.Keseru@vub.be