PhD Position eXtended Reality for Inclusive Automated Vehicle Interaction

TL;DR

PhD Position eXtended Reality for Inclusive Automated Vehicle Interaction (XR/AV): Employing VR technologies to understand complex AV–VRU interactions involving behavioral, cognitive, psychological, and physiological dimensions with an accent on inclusive eHMI design for vulnerable road users including people with disabilities. Focus on developing theoretical frameworks, accessible VR simulators, conducting VR and real-world experiments, and modeling decision-making processes.

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

Salary: €3059–€3881 gross per month (increasing yearly), plus holiday allowance and end-of-year bonus.

Company

Top international university combining science, engineering, and design to address global 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 collect data and model decision-making processes.
• Perform real-world testing to evaluate eHMI effectiveness.
• Collaborate with other PhD researchers on related projects.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in relevant field (e.g., HCI, transportation, mechanical engineering).
• Solid background in VR/XR technologies and skills in Unity/Unreal.
• Strong experimental skills: design, setup, conduction, data collection.
• Analytic and programming skills (Python, C#) with statistics proficiency.
• Qualitative and quantitative analysis skills.
• Good English communication and writing skills; proficiency required for PhD.

Nice to have

• Prior relevant research or work experience.
• Open-minded, curiosity-driven mindset for interdisciplinary research.

Culture & Benefits

• 4-year employment (initial 1.5-year contract + 2.5-year extension after assessment).
• Customizable compensation package, health insurance discounts, monthly work costs contribution.
• Flexible work schedules, enrollment in hirify.global Graduate School with skills development.
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and open science.
• Relocation support via Coming to Delft Service and Dual Career Programme.

Hiring process

• Submit motivation letter, CV, writing sample, transcripts, 3-slide presentation by 14 June 2026.
• Knowledge security risk assessment in final stages.
• Contact Dr. Yan Feng for questions.