At the Hertie School, we are looking to hire a PhD student on transportation and data science as part of the Horizon Europe-funded CATALYSE project, who will work with cycling data.
The Hertie School in Berlin prepares exceptional students for leadership positions in government, business, and civil society. The school offers master’s programmes, executive education and doctoral programmes, distinguished by interdisciplinary and practice-oriented teaching, as well as outstanding research. Its extensive international network positions it as an ambassador of good governance, characterised by public debate and engagement. The school was founded in 2003 by the Hertie Foundation, which remains its major funder. The Hertie School is accredited by the state and the German Science Council.
The Hertie School is looking for a
Research Associate/Doctoral Researcher – Transportation and Data Science (gn)
part-time (26 hours/week).
The contract is intended to commence as of 1 February 2024. The contract is limited to three years and the candidate’s enrolment in the Hertie PhD program is desired.
The successful candidate will be part of The Hertie School Centre for Sustainability and the Data Science Lab.
Your tasks:
Your work will contribute to CATALYSE, which is a five-year project funded by the European Commission through the Horizon Europe program, with co-funding from UK Research and Innovation and the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research, and Innovation. The project is implemented by a consortium, consisting of 21 partners from 12 European countries, with a mission to further develop and communicate evidence of the health impacts of climate change and respond to the urgent need for solutions. CATALYSE is also part of the European cluster on climate change and health.
Within CATALYSE, we work on developing data-driven predictive estimates of cycle counts and cycle mode shares across urban areas in Europe that can be regularly updated to inform urban governments and monitor climate change mitigation co-benefits. This task is led by Prof. Lynn Kaack at Hertie School. We are currently developing a data-driven model of bike counts with high spatial and temporal resolution in selected European cities.
As part of the research project, you will develop a statistical model to predict cycle mode shares across European cities based on available data on city characteristics. The aim is to generate decision-relevant and operational insights to aid infrastructure-planning decisions, and to monitor and evaluate the impact of policies and new bike infrastructure on cycle utilization in selected cities. You will pursue a PhD under the supervision of Prof. Lynn Kaack.
As part of your PhD, you will conduct research with the goal of publishing in leading peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings. You will contribute to core activities at the Centre for Sustainability and the Data Science Lab, including active participation in colloquia and seminars and outreach activities. Your research will have immediate relevance for municipal policy makers.
Your profile:
- Master’s degree in transportation engineering, urban planning, statistics, computer science, physics, engineering, economics, or related fields
- Proficiency in statistical methods
- Interest in cycling, transportation, the nexus of climate change and health, and public policy
- Ability to work interdisciplinary
- Ability to work independently, show initiative, and be a team player
We offer:
A stimulating international and diverse environment in multiple areas of social science, high-quality teaching and public policy. The Hertie School is a vibrant academic community that emphasizes excellence in research and teaching as well as an interdisciplinary perspective. Our school has been certified as a family friendly work environment in higher education and an equal opportunity employer. Severely disabled applicants are given preferential consideration in the event of equal qualification.
As part of the Centre for Sustainability and the Data Science Lab, you collaborate with and receive support from experienced and dedicated researchers, project managers, and student assistants. You will also have access to an international network of research collaborators.
As part of the Horizon-Europe funded CATALYSE project, you will become part of a large consortium of researchers from 21 institutions across Europe and various disciplines. You will have the opportunity to build and expand your professional and academic network across these fields.
As part of Hertie School`s academic community you work in a stimulating international and diverse environment in multiple areas of social science, public policy, and data science. We emphasize excellence in research and teaching as well as an interdisciplinary perspective. Our PhD program offers support and training in research skills, incl. courses, individual tutorials and helpdesks, as well as financial support, e.g., for conference travel and research visits at Hertie’s EU partner universities.
Please submit your application in one PDF file (incl. a CV, a letter of motivation describing your research interests, two writing samples, transcripts of records for the highest qualifying degree, and the names and contact information of two references) by using the “Apply” button below.
The deadline for full consideration is December 6, 2023.
Please contact Lynn Kaack, Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Public Policy, for further information about the position.
Deadline is December 6. You can find more details here: