PhD student - Passenger behavioural response to planned railway maintenance disruptions

Join a Dynamic Research Initiative

The Chair of Transportation and Mobility Planning at the Institute for Transport Planning and Systems is inviting candidates to engage in an exciting research project focused on understanding passenger behavior in response to planned railway maintenance disruptions in Switzerland.

Project Overview

This initiative seeks to explore the challenges faced by railway infrastructure during maintenance interventions which can impact train services and passenger experiences. It includes the development of comprehensive surveys to model passenger responses and assess how such disruptions affect their travel decisions.

Key Responsibilities

The doctoral candidate will be involved in various aspects of the project, including:

• Conducting literature reviews on the impact of railway disruptions on passenger behavior.
• Developing longitudinal revealed preference surveys and stated preference experiments.
• Modeling passenger responses and estimating the effects of maintenance disruptions on service quality.
• Creating a methodology to evaluate the long-term impacts of disruptions on trust and reputation of the railway operator.
• Collaborating with other research groups to ensure aligned research outcomes.

In addition to project contributions, participation in ongoing research activities, support for new project acquisition, involvement in teaching, and authoring high-impact research papers are valued aspects of this role.

Ideal Profile

The successful candidate will possess:

• A Master’s degree in transportation, civil engineering, computer science, spatial planning, geography, psychology, economics, or a related field.
• Experience with discrete choice modeling or survey design.
• Proficiency in English, with German language skills considered an asset.
• Knowledge of data analysis and programming, with a willingness to learn.
• A passion for scientific research and a self-motivated approach to work.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

What We Offer

Becoming part of our research initiative means joining a prestigious institution that values professional development and strives for a positive societal impact. Benefits include:

• A supportive environment fostering innovation and sustainability.
• Access to public transport season tickets, childcare services, and an array of sports activities.
• Attractive pension benefits to aid in your long-term planning.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Sustainability

We champion an inclusive culture that promotes equality of opportunity and values diversity. Our aim is to create a work environment where everyone can thrive. Sustainability is central to our mission; we are dedicated to advancing towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious to Learn More?

For additional information about the project and to get a glimpse of our vibrant academic community, please explore our website.