PhD #12

Vacancy description

Within the IVORY doctoral network, this PhD position aims:

-          To create a taxonomy for classifying datasets generated by AI algorithms applied to data from various sources (e.g., Lidar, 360 imagery, geo-spatial, telematics, satellite imagery and traffic management) and assess their transferability

-          To create a new methodology for harmonising datasets generated by both AI algorithms and manual approaches

-          To develop new hybrid road safety assessment models that effectively combine the advantages of various data sources, for determining the road crash occurrence risks and the risks of serious injuries to motorised road users and VRUs

The goal is to develop comprehensive expertise and methodologies for aligning and harmonizing datasets produced by AI algorithms sourced from diverse origins. Create novel AI models capable of extracting road and traffic information from various geo-referenced sources and establish correlations with risk rates. Implement these methodologies and models in a relevant case study or application that aligns with the mission and activities of iRAP.

Project description

IVORY (www.ivory-network.eu) is a Horizon Europe MARIE SKLODOWSKA-CURIE ACTION Industrial Doctoral Network consisting of 22 partners (universities, industry, and non-governmental organizations). The project aims to develop a new framework for the integration of AI in road safety and train a new generation of leading researchers in the field, in order to address the UN Sustainable Development Goals target 3.6 (halving the number of traffic fatalities by 2030) and EC ‘Vision Zero’ strategy (eliminating traffic fatalities by 2050).

PhD students will obtain their PhD degree from the relevant academic partner, and spend at least 50% of their PhD time at the relevant non-academic partner.

Academic host

Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences, Zagreb, Croatia

Months 1 - 18 of recruitment

https://www.fpz.unizg.hr/en/naslovna/novosti/

Industry host

iRAP, Bracknell, United Kingdom

Months 19-36 of recruitment

https://irap.org/

Secondment(s)

EIRA, Ljubljana, Slovenia, duration: 9 months (Month 10-18)

Research field(s)

Data science; Transport engineering; Safety science

Application deadline

31 January 2024

Type of contract

Fixed-term (18+18 months)

Employment status

Full time (1.0 fte)

Eligibility criteria

·         A Master"s degree (or equivalent);

·         Not in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of the recruitment.

·         Recruited applicants can be of any nationality and must undertake trans-national mobility (i.e., move from one country to another) when taking up the appointment. In particular, at the time of selection, the recruited applicant for this position must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Croatia for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to their recruitment. Short stays, such as holidays, are not taken into account.

Required skills

·         A Master"s degree (or equivalent) in computer science, informatics, computer/electrical engineering, Master"s degrees in any other relevant field such as mathematics, physics, civil/transportation engineering will also be considered.

·         Familiarity with data science and machine learning.

·         Familiarity with statistical analysis: candidates should be proficient in statistical tools and methodologies.  

·         Coding experience in appropriate applied languages (e.g. Python, R, C++, Java)  

·         The ability to work both independently and as part of a team 

·         High level of proficiency in English 

·         Passion about AI and applying in specific transport use cases and about traffic safety 

Optional skills (preferred but not required)

·         Excellent soft skills in communication and presentation, as well as networking while working with authorities  

·         Research and Problem-Solving Skills: candidates who have a track record of conducting research, formulating hypotheses, and solving complex problems.

·         Familiarity with tools and engines such as pandas, Apache Spark,  RESTful API or JSON

·         Familiarity with software development for web tools

·         Familiarity with iRAP protocols 

·         Familiarity with the use and integration of external APIs

·         Expertise in working with and harmonizing data from different sources 

·         Familiarity with research and academic writing

English requirement

High level of proficiency in English or native English speaker (will be tested at interview).

Salary

The successful candidate will receive an attractive salary following the MSCA regulations for doctoral candidates.

The exact salary will vary depending on the country of the host partner and will be confirmed upon appointment. The salary includes a living allowance, a mobility allowance, and a family allowance (if the recruited doctoral candidate has or acquires family obligations during the duration of the fellowship).

Other benefits

In addition, the doctoral candidate will benefit from further training within the IVORY network, which includes internships/secondments in other laboratories, a variety of training courses (including transferable skills), and active participation in workshops and conferences.

Application process

·         Candidates should apply electronically using the link indicated in the PhD position(s) of their interest;

·         Candidates should provide the following documents:

o   Detailed CV, including information on the candidate’s proficiency in English

o   Motivational letter (1 page), describing why the position fits the applicant

o   Contact information of 2 references

o   Copy of Master’s degree diploma

o   Proof of citizenship

o   Copies of any other relevant certifications listed within CV

Candidates should apply electronically via e-mail address pisarnica@fpz.unizg.hr with the title of the PhD position in the e-mail subject. 

Academic host

Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences (FPZ), established in 1984, is a part of the University of Zagreb, and the leading high education as well as scientific and research institution in the field of transport and traffic engineering in Croatia. Postgraduate studies of the Faculty provide three-year Doctoral Studies in the field of Transport and Traffic Engineering, as well as one-year Specialist Studies in Urban Transport and Traffic, Inter-modal Transport and Traffic, and Transport Logistics and Management. A successful FPZ PhD candidate is qualified to work in scientific teaching and scientific research institutions, development institutes and research centres of industry companies, public sector as well as in transport companies of all sizes. Apart from teaching activities, employees actively participate in various scientific and consultancy projects around the world.

Industry host

The International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP) is a UK-based charity started in 2006 to coordinate RAP efforts occurring in Europe, Australia, and the United States and also to facilitate work in low and middle-income countries. iRAP"s vision is of a world free of high-risk roads, and it is a member of the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration. Active in over 128 countries, iRAP provides the software (ViDA) that generates star-ratings and safer roads investment plans from coded video data.

Nearly 1.5 million km of roads and designs, and 1,229 schools have been star rated. Nearly 1.8 million km have been risk mapped. Worldwide, iRAP and regional RAP programmes are influencing the safety of large-scale investment to the tune of nearly USD$100 billion.

More than 63,350 people have been trained and 241 practitioners accredited to deliver iRAP specification services to the global standard. 70 policies (global and national strategies and action plans) contain iRAP metrics as key performance indicators.

Additional information

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Marko Ševrović at msevrovic@fpz.unizg.hr  or James Bradford at james.bradford@irap.org