Research Associate

**Weitere Informationen**:
The position is to be filled at the earliest possible date and offered for a fixed term initially for 2 years.
An extension is possible on a project-related basis.
The fixed-term employment is possible as it constitutes one of the fixed-term options of the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (German Act on Fixed-term Scientific Contracts).
This is a full-time position.
The salary is based on the German public service salary scale (TV-L).
The position corresponds to a pay grade of EG 13 TV-L.

**Unser Profil**:
The Institute of Highway Engineering (ISAC) at RWTH Aachen University is seeking a qualified and motivated postdoctoral researcher to support our ongoing research efforts. This position focuses on developing innovative, evidence-based routing solutions to enhance safety for schoolchildren and vulnerable road users by integrating advanced risk modelling, asset management, and decision-support systems.

The project aims to significantly improve pedestrian and cyclist safety by developing a digital twin of traffic safety infrastructure, complemented by advanced safety-focused routing algorithms. Leveraging data-driven infrastructure evaluation, probabilistic risk analysis, and optimisation frameworks, the project will create robust predictive models and practical decision-making tools for municipal mobility planning and policy support.

**Ihr Profil**:

- University degree (Master's degree or equivalent) and a completed Doctorate (PhD or Dr.Ing.) in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Infrastructure Asset Management, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline with an emphasis on infrastructure evaluation, safety, or risk.
- Experience with statistical analysis, probabilistic modelling, or decision-support methodologies applicable to infrastructure evaluation, safety, or risk.
- Solid analytical and computational skills, with experience using statistical or analytical software (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB).
- Familiarity or interest in working with spatial data analysis, GIS platforms, or similar geospatial analysis tools.
- Motivation and ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams, with strong communication skills suitable for diverse stakeholders.
- Excellent command of English (oral and written). Proficiency in German would be advantageous but is not mandatory.

**Ihre Aufgaben**:

- Conduct risk analyses using trajectory-based conflict indicators derived from traffic observation data (e.g., time-to-collision, post-encroachment time).
- Integrate principles of asset management, risk analysis, and safety performance evaluations into decision-support frameworks and routing algorithms.
- Contribute actively to the development and validation of a digital twin of road safety infrastructure, using geospatial data and spatial analysis techniques.
- Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team for data acquisition, integration, validation, and dissemination of research outcomes.
- Publish high-quality scientific research and present findings at national and international conferences.
- Contribute to teaching and supervise student projects related to infrastructure asset management and safety-risk evaluation.

**Über uns**:
RWTH is a certified family-friendly University. We support our employees in maintaining a good work-life balance with a wide range of health, advising, and prevention services, for example university sports. Employees who are covered by collective bargaining agreements and civil servants have access to an extensive range of further training courses and the opportunity to purchase a job ticket.

**Besoldung / Entgelt**:
EG 13 TV-L