Postdoc in Application of eXtended Reality for Inclusive Automated Vehicle and Road User Interaction

TL;DR

Postdoc in Application of eXtended Reality for Inclusive Automated Vehicle and Road User Interaction (XR/AV): Employing Virtual Reality technologies to study complex AV interactions with vulnerable road users including people with disabilities with an accent on behavioral, cognitive, psychological, and physiological dimensions. Focus on developing theoretical frameworks, accessible VR simulators, conducting VR and real-world experiments, and designing inclusive external Human-Machine Interfaces.

Location: Based in the Mobility in eXtended Reality lab, Delft University of Technology, Netherlands. Relocation support to the Netherlands available.

Salary: €3546–€5538

Company

Top international university combining science, engineering, and design to address challenges in mobility, energy, climate, health, and digital society.

What you will do

• Develop theoretical framework for AV–VRU interactions and design criteria for inclusive eHMIs.
• Build accessible VR simulators for people with disabilities.
• Conduct VR experiments to model decision-making processes in AV–VRU interactions.
• Perform real-world testing to evaluate inclusive eHMI designs.
• Collaborate with PhD researchers and support lab activities.
• Publish findings in high-impact journals and present at conferences and workshops.

Requirements

• PhD in transportation, human-computer interaction, mechanical engineering, or related field.
• Solid background in XR technologies and skills in Unity/Unreal for XR applications.
• Strong experimental skills in design, setup, execution, and data collection.
• Proficiency in quantitative/qualitative data analysis, programming (Python, C#), and statistics.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary environment.
• Excellent English writing and communication skills; strong publication record.

Culture & Benefits

• 3-year temporary contract, 40 hours/week per Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• Excellent pension scheme, flexible working week, 232 leave hours/year (at 38 hours), option to buy/sell leave.
• Discounts on health insurance, partially paid parental leave, vitality program.
• Opportunities for education, training, and courses.
• Support for relocation to Netherlands including Coming to Delft Service and Dual Career Programme.

Hiring process

• Submit motivation letter, CV, publication list, transcripts, recommendation letters, and 3-slide research ideas presentation by 14 June 2026.
• Applications via online button only; knowledge security risk assessment in final stages.