PhD Positions (2) in Advanced Methods for Human Behaviour Analysis in Future Transport Systems Using Virtual Reality – DTU Management

The Division for Transportation Science at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) invites applications for two PhD positions in Advanced Methods for Human Behaviour Analysis in Future Transport Systems Using Virtual Reality. The positions focus on developing and testing the next generation of mathematical models for explaining and predicting human behaviour and decision-making in the context of future transport and infrastructure systems using data collected through immersive virtual reality experiments. 

The PhD positions are part of the research project IMMERSION: Explaining human decision-making by combining choice and process data, which is funded by a European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant. IMMERSION aims to advance the study of human decision-making by developing new innovative methods for combining choice and neurophysiological process data. This entails new models for integrating choice and process data, new statistical inference procedures tailored to such models, and new methods for collecting rich behavioural data in immersive experiments. The project also includes substantial empirical work applying IMMERSION’s methodological innovations to real-world problems with implications for the human-centric design of future transport systems. This includes case studies to explain and predict human decision-making in the contexts of transportation infrastructure development, pedestrian-autonomous vehicle interactions and pedestrian wayfinding.

You will join a diverse research team led by Associate Professor Rico Krueger, and you will be a member of the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) section within the Division for Transportation Science at the Department of Technology, Management and Economics (DTU Management) at DTU. You will be supervised by Associate Professor Rico Krueger and Professor Francisco Pereira.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The two PhD positions are associated with distinct subprojects:

• In subproject 1, you will work on developing new flexible modelling and fast estimation approaches for combining choice and process data using probabilistic machine learning methods.
• In subproject 2, you will work on creating new modelling and estimation approaches to strategically and effectively integrate choice data with diverse types of process data. This will involve leveraging explainable machine learning and information fusion methods. 

In both subprojects, you will:

• Formulate and test new modelling approaches at the interface of machine learning, cognitive psychology, economics and statistics for explaining and predicting human behaviour and decision-making using both choice data and neurophysiological process data,
• Devise and evaluate new estimators for parameter inference in the proposed models using advanced statistical and computational approaches, including Bayesian methods and other simulation-assisted methods,
• Design, implement and conduct immersive virtual reality experiments to study human behaviour and decision-making in the context of future transport and infrastructure systems,
• Support data collection efforts involving the use of immersive virtual reality technologies and neurophysiological sensors (e.g. to gather biomarker, neuroimaging and eye-tracking data),
• Write academic papers aimed at high-impact journals,
• Participate in international conferences and workshops,
• Collaborate with other team members and our international research partners.    

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree. Specifically, we seek applicants with a master's degree in transport, mathematics, statistics, computer science, economics, psychology, human factors, civil engineering, industrial engineering or a related discipline.

You should have experience in some, but not necessarily all, of the following areas: mathematical modelling, statistics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, design and implementation of virtual reality experiments, data collection and analysis. Proficient English language skills as well as programming skills in Python, Julia, R or similar are also required. 

Approval and Enrolment 
The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education.

Assessment
The review of applications will begin on 16 February 2025.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognised for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterised by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms 
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. 

The period of employment is 3 years. The starting date is 1 August 2025. An earlier or later start date is possible by mutual agreement. The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 
Further information about the positions may be obtained from Associate Professor Rico Krueger (rickr@dtu.dk). 

You can read more about DTU Management at www.man.dtu.dk/english.   

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 15 February 2025 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter) 
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• Names and contact details of at least two referees

In the field “Please indicate which position(s) you would like to apply for”, please indicate which subproject you are more interested in. Please note that you will be considered for both subprojects regardless of your indicated preference.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it. 

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

About the department
DTU Management conducts excellent research at the intersection of management, technology and economics. We develop solutions in close cooperation with companies and public authorities. Our research aims at strengthening welfare, productivity and sustainability within the society. A key element is the role of technology and its interaction with industry and individuals. The department offers a wide range of courses and programs at bachelor, master, and PhD levels across DTU's study programs. The department has 200+ employees with around half of staff coming from abroad.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.