Postdoctoral researcher in management and control of dynamic capacity in shared mobility networks in Zürich

Despite the excellent quality of public transport systems in Switzerland, public transport and shared mobility systems need to increase their performance and attract more travellers, to match the ambitious targets from policy and environmental goals. One key aspect of traditional public transport systems is their rigidity, as they are based on predetermined routes, lines and times.

On the other hand, even ignoring unplanned disturbances, demand patterns are dynamic within the day, across days, and over years. Moreover, public transport services are bound to operate given vehicle fleets, which leads to a further mismatch between variable demand and fixed/rigid vehicle size.

This position will be available, with an ideal starting date between February 2023 and April 2023, or further upon agreement; the planned duration of the initial contract is one year, to be extended based on successful performance, for up to 2 years.

The focus of this project is to understand how to design and operate a mobility network with a large range of possible vehicles (large, medium, in theory even individual), and service design (on-demand responsive, planned, planned and real-time adaptations). The objective is that the vehicle capacity meets the demand (crowding /denied boarding is minimal), waste capacity is minimized, and the performance is the highest (travel time, waiting time, energy, cost). This broad topic includes approaches for optimization, control and simulation for scheduled and on-demand services.

This project takes place within the , which aims to determine control techniques (among others) to improve mobility. We envisage tackling those challenges with a new approach including relaxing some of the constraints that are now considered in conventional public transport services.

This research focus will work in close interaction with another researcher at a doctoral level within NCCR, and multiple doctoral and post-doctoral researchers working on complementary topics on public transport systems analytics and optimization. Even if the appointment is at ETH Zürich, a collaboration with EPFL is envisaged. Namely, close interaction and possible research stays are expected with the (Prof Geroliminis). Finally, we expect regular interaction with the entire community of researchers at NCCR, research groups at public transport companies in Switzerland and elsewhere, and relevant research groups at the international level.

You ideally have (or you are about to receive) a Doctoral Degree in transport sciences, management/ decision sciences, econometrics, statistics, computer science, physics or related fields. Your research track is consistent and shows a track record, or clear potential, for modelling and control of transport systems. You are highly motivated, self-driven, with a clear research vision and academic ambition, you have excellent communication and writing skills (fluent spoken and written English is mandatory). Moreover, the following skills are expected of a promising candidate:

• Computer science and ability to program independently complex software
• Ability to model and represent transport services and transport demand in forms appropriate to the time and space resolution considered (time-event graph, diachronic graphs, PESP; passenger assignment, agent-based simulation)
• Knowledge of mathematical optimization (MILP, IP, LP), and/or control sciences
• Team working and communication skills
• Knowledge of German or similar languages is not required but is a plus

You enjoy working in an interactive international environment with doctoral students, post-docs and senior scientists, referring continuously to practical problems and solutions. 

ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can look forward to an exciting working environment, cultural diversity and attractive offers and benefits.

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