Research Assistant/associate

**Weitere Informationen**:
The position is to be filled at the earliest possible date and offered for a fixed term of 3 years.
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 part-time contract position.
The standard weekly hours will be 31,86 hours.
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 at RWTH Aachen University stands for sustainable and digital transport infrastructure. As a research institution, we focus on the development and utilisation of modern technologies and processes in the field of road infrastructure, both in the planning, construction and operation of roads. The focus is currently on research into new methods for condition assessment and forecasting using digital technologies, road safety research and traffic control.

The FALKE project addresses the growing need for integrated, effective and evidence-based planning tools to enhance bicycle infrastructure in rural areas. Despite political backing, rural cycling infrastructure expansion has been slow due to resource constraints. The FALKE project will develop a scientifically grounded tool to prioritise infrastructure projects, considering key factors such as CO₂ reduction, traffic safety, and cost for planning and construction.

**Ihr Profil**:

- University degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Geography, Social Science, Computer Science, Civil Engineering or a related field.
- Strong programming skills (e.g. Python).
- Excellent command of English, with knowledge of German being advantageous.
- A passion for sustainable infrastructure and a strong motivation to contribute to the project’s goals.

**Ihre Aufgaben**:
The Institute of Highway Engineering (ISAC) at RWTH Aachen University is looking for a motivated PhD student to join our team. The role is part of the FALKE project, which aims to develop a data-driven tool for prioritizing the expansion of rural bicycle infrastructure. This tool will provide a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis of environmental, safety, and mobility factors for integrated planning processes, involving multiple stakeholders with diverging perspective and interests.
- Conduct research on rural cycling behaviour using mobility data, GIS, and longitudinal analysis, focusing on environmental, safety, and socio-economic impacts.
- Development and validation of a web-based tool backed by scientific models for prioritising bicycle infrastructure projects in a highly politicized field through comprehensive cost-benefit analysis.
- Collaborate with project partners to test and refine these models in real-world scenarios and contribute to the creation of a decision-support tool for infrastructure planning.
- Publish high-quality research in peer-reviewed journals, present findings at national and international conferences, and work towards completing a PhD thesis on rural mobility and infrastructure planning.

**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

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