PhD Opening: Discovering the Mechanisms that Cause Bicycle Crashes Through The Merger of Video and Computational Modeling


Filled

This job has been filled and is no longer open.

Challenge: Quality bicycle crash data is essentially non-existent so we have to use low quality videos from chance encounters to create accurate reconstructions of the physics of these crashes.

Change: We want to study how these crashes occur through the lens of physical simulation.

Impact: Once we understand how crashes occur we want to use the knowledge to make bicycling safer and reduce crashes.

Description

We are seeking a PhD researcher for a 4-year contract to develop simulation and data analysis tools that lead us to understanding the mechanisms at play in bicycle and other two-wheeler crashes. You will work primarily with video data and computational neuromuscular models to develop the next generation of predictive algorithms that connect human control to bicycle crash dynamics.

Your project is partially supported by the OpenSim Creator: Empowering Biomedical Research with Biomechanical Models grant funded by the Chan-Zuckerberg Foundation’s “Essential Open Source Software for Science" program. The software developed during the research will be contributed to OpenSim as open source software and the research results will be submitted to appropriate scientific journals and conferences.

You will simultaneously work as a member of the Computational Biomechanics Lab and the Bicycle Lab both part of the BioMechanical Engineering Department. You will be supervised by Dr. Jason K. Moore and Dr. Ajay Seth. You will work BSc, MSc, and PhD candidates in the involved research groups from the BioMechanical Engineering Department and other departments in the university.

Opportunities for growing your academic career will be available, such as mentoring BSc/MSc Students, conference presentations, networking, and teaching.

Requirements

You should have:

  • MSc in engineering or similar discipline by the start date of the position
  • Experience with simulation
  • Experience with a programming language (e.g., C++, Python, Java, Matlab, etc.)
  • Experience with collecting experimental data (vehicle, biomechanic, video, or similar)
  • Good written and oral communication skills in English

The following aspects will help you stand out:

  • Thriving in multidisciplinary environments
  • Self-motivation
  • Curiosity-driven working attitude
  • Knowledge of biomechanical modeling, vision based motion capture, machine learning, control systems

Keep in mind that this describes the background we imagine would best fit the role. Even if you do not meet all the requirements and feel that you are up for the task, we absolutely want to see your application! The PhD process is a learning experience.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Additional Information

The TU Delft Bicycle and Computational Biomechanics Labs are committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts across open source software development with this position, aligning with CZI's goals. We especially encourage applicants from underrepresented groups in open source software to apply.

TU Delft values a safe, inclusive and diverse work environment. To reinforce that, we have committed ourselves to the joint Statement Social Safety of the Association of Universities in the Netherlands and the National Action Plan for Diversity and Inclusion. In addition to that, we have a Social Safety Programme.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

How to Apply

Apply via the TU Delft website application portal linked below. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.

Visit TU Delft's website to find more employment details and apply for the position (vacancy number: TUD04370):

https://www.tudelft.nl/over-tu-delft/werken-bij-tu-delft/vacatures/details?jobId=15846

In the online application you will need to supply these things:

  • Motivation and CV.
  • Abstract of your MSc thesis.
  • Contact information for up to 3 references.
  • List of grades.

A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.

Applications Due January 19, 2024

Additional information

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Jason Moore (j.k.moore@tudelft.nl) or Ajay Seth (a.seth@tudelft.nl).

For information about the selection procedure, please contact the HR Advisor at application-3mE@tudelft.nl.