Research Associate – Postdoc for infrastructure asset management and risk modelling (f/m/d)

Weitere Informationen

The successful candidate will be employed under a regular employment contract.
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.
• Interest in applying infrastructure management and risk assessment methods to practical challenges in transport safety and mobility.
• 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

• Develop and apply advanced statistical and probabilistic methods to evaluate the safety and risk impacts of specific road infrastructure elements (e.g., crossings, cycling paths, signage).
• 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.
RWTH is an equal opportunities employer. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates, particularly from groups that are underrepresented at the University. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability or age. RWTH is strongly committed to encouraging women in their careers. Female applicants are given preference if they are equally suitable, competent, and professionally qualified, unless a fellow candidate is favored for a specific reason.
As RWTH is committed to equality of opportunity, we ask you not to include a photo in your application.
You can find information on the personal data we collect from applicants in accordance with Articles 13 and 14 of the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) at http://www.rwth-aachen.de/dsgvo-information-bewerbung.

Besoldung / Entgelt

EG 13 TV-L