Postdoc Responsible Mobility Transitions

Postdoctoral position in responsible mobility transitions at TU Delft. Join global partners to study and design transport systems that are socially ready and responsible

Job description

Mobility transitions are essential for creating more sustainable, safe and just societies. As Postdoctoral Researcher in Responsible Mobility Transitions, you will contribute to cutting-edge research on how transport systems can be designed and governed responsibly. You will combine methods such as qualitative interviews, surveys, ethical and sociotechnical analysis, and experimentation in Urban Living Labs.

Your main activity will be within the international consortium project HANGOUT – Unlocking Adolescents’ Urban Accessibility and Sustainable Mobility Transitioning to Adulthood, which develops inclusive approaches to mobility across cities in Portugal, Denmark, Spain, Norway, and Brazil. Alongside this, you will also contribute to other activities of the PROMISE Lab (PROMotIng SocIally ready and responsible tEchnology adoption lab), directed by Dr. Oscar Oviedo-Trespalacios. These include co-authoring research papers, supporting grant proposals, and engaging in international collaborations.

This position is ideal for an ambitious researcher who wants to build an academic career. You will gain strong international exposure, work in a highly interdisciplinary environment, and have the opportunity to publish, collaborate and shape your own research agenda.

Job requirements

We are looking for applicants who have or expect to receive a PhD degree in transport, mobility, or a closely related field before joining the project. In addition, you bring:

• Proven expertise in sustainable transport or mobility research.
• Experience in interdisciplinary research, linking transport to social, ethical, or psychological dimensions of mobility.
• Familiarity with the analysis of transport policies and their societal implications.
• Experience applying a diverse set of research methods, such as surveys, qualitative interviews, policy analysis, participatory workshops, or experimental approaches.
• Strong communication skills, essential for collaboration with international partners and stakeholders.
• A track record of academic writing (peer-reviewed publications) and/or research reports for policy or practice.
• A proactive and resourceful mindset, with the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in complex projects.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken).
• Mastery of spoken Dutch is desired but not required.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact

Faculty Technology, Policy & Management

The Faculty of TPM provides an important contribution to solving complex technical-social issues, such as energy transition, mobility, digitalisation, water management and (cyber) security. TPM does this with its excellent education and research at the intersection of technology, society and policy. We combine insights from both engineering and social sciences as well as the humanities. TPM develops robust models and designs, is internationally oriented and has an extensive network of knowledge institutions, companies, social organisations and governments.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management.

Conditions of employment 

• Duration of contract is 3 years Temporary
• A job of 40 hours per week. 
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP. 
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year. 
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages. 
• Flexible working week. 
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget. 
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses. 
• Partially paid parental leave 
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program. 

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.  . 

Additional information

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Oscar Oviedo-Trespalacios. E-mail: O.OviedoTrespalacios@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 15 November 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) – including education, publications, and relevant experience.

   

• Motivation Letter – max. 1–2 pages, explaining why they want the position, their fit with the project, and their career goals.

   

• Writing Sample – e.g. a published article, thesis chapter, or report (to demonstrate writing skills and fit with interdisciplinary work).

• Names and contact details of 2–3 referees – standard for TU Delft postdoc jobs (sometimes requested as separate letters, sometimes just contacts). 

You can address your application to Dr. Oscar Oviedo-Trespalacios.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.