Postdoc in User Acceptance of Automated Buses

Study how passengers experience automated buses and help evaluate a new service connecting Delft Campus station and the TU Delft campus.

Job description 

This postdoc position is part of an international project aimed at automated bus transport. Automated buses have proven they can drive safely, but most still require onboard staff because supervision, safety assurance, and regulatory requirements must be met before driverless operation is possible. The project aims to remove this barrier by combining remote supervision, passenger safety monitoring, and fleet management into a single operational framework. With demonstrations in Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, the project aims to create deployment-ready solutions that can be scaled after 2030. Automated bus transport is essential to maintain and expand public transport services, enabling operators to deliver more public transport while supporting accessible and zero-emission mobility. For the demonstration in the Netherlands, the project plans to study an automated bus service connecting the train station Delft Campus to the TU Delft premises.

As postdoctoral researcher you will focus on the acceptance of automated buses. To apply vehicle automation in public transport at a larger scale, it is essential to carefully assess the acceptance by end users, understand the contribution of vehicle automation to the overall public transport system (for instance as first/last kilometer) and evaluate the lessons learned on the demonstration sites. Specific tasks are: (1) definition of the impact assessment and evaluation plan, (2) conducting research into user acceptance and positioning in the public transport system, (3) consolidate lessons learned from the demonstration sites and (4) produce a final dissemination report. Specific emphasis will be on the demonstration site in the Netherlands, working with DAM Shuttles and supported by the concession provider MRDH, the city of Delft and public transport operators RET and HTM. As postdoctoral researcher you will also write scientific papers and present results at conferences.

At TU Delft you will be part of the Sustainable Urban Multimodal mobility (SUM) Lab in the Department of Transport & Planning.

Job requirements 

• You have obtained your PhD degree in transport or a related field.
• You have experience with user acceptance of automated transport and public transport systems.
• You have the capability and experience to work independently as well as with public and private parties.
• You have excellent English language and communication skills.
• Preferably you possess Dutch language skills and familiarity with the Dutch transport system and context.

Conditions of employment 

• Duration of contract is 2 years, expected starting date 1st January 2027. Temporary external finance.
• A job of 21-24 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

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Prof Dr Bart van Arem, via b.vanarem@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 30 November 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter

You can address your application to Prof Dr Bart van Arem.

Please note:

• To protect your personal data, we only accept applications submitted via the ‘Apply’ button advertised under the vacancies on our website. Applications and additional information sent by email or through other channels, including unsolicited applications, will not be considered or responded to. This also applies to open applications.
• 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.