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

Location: Delft, Netherlands; relocation to the Netherlands is expected for the role.

Salary: €3,546–€5,538 per month in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

Company

hirify.global is an international university conducting research and education in engineering, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and smart mobility.

What you will do

• Develop a theoretical framework for automated vehicle–vulnerable road user interactions and define criteria for inclusive external Human-Machine Interfaces.
• Develop accessible virtual reality simulators for people with disabilities.
• Design and conduct VR experiments to collect data and model decision-making processes.
• Conduct real-world testing to evaluate inclusive eHMI designs.
• Collaborate with researchers, mentor PhD students, and contribute to lab projects and development.
• Publish research in high-impact journals and disseminate findings through conferences and stakeholder workshops.

Requirements

• PhD in transportation, human-computer interaction, computer science, or a closely related field.
• Experience with XR technologies and developing XR applications using Unity or Unreal Engine.
• Strong experimental skills covering design, setup, execution, and data collection.
• Strong quantitative and qualitative data analysis, programming, and statistical skills, including Python or C#.
• Ability to work independently in a collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment.
• Excellent English writing and communication skills and a strong publication record in relevant scientific journals.

Culture & Benefits

• Three-year temporary contract for 40 hours per week.
• Excellent pension scheme through ABP and an annual individual employment package.
• Flexible working week, 232 annual leave hours at 38 hours per week, and options to buy or sell additional leave.
• Opportunities for education, training, and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave and a vitality programme supporting healthy working.
• Coming to Delft Service provides relocation information and settling-in support in the Netherlands.

Hiring process

• Submit an online application by 30 August 2026.
• Include a motivation letter, CV, publication list with a PhD thesis summary, academic transcripts, and a three-slide presentation with initial research ideas.
• A knowledge-security risk assessment takes place during the final recruitment stages.