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Postdoctoral Associates – Immersive Virtual Reality for Transport Studies

The Sustainable and Innovative Transport Demand (SIT-D) Lab at New York University Abu Dhabi is seeking three Postdoctoral Associates to support a major research initiative using immersive virtual reality (VR) to explore public preferences for innovative mobility solutions. This interdisciplinary project investigates user behavior, simulation development, and predictive analytics related to future transport systems such as automated taxis.

Job Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Industry: Higher Education and Smart Mobility Research
Function: Research, Simulation, Behavioral Analysis
Salary: Competitive with housing and education subsidies
Gender: Any
Candidate Nationality: Any (UAE Nationals encouraged to apply)
Candidate Current Location: Any

What Is the Research Focus of These Postdoctoral Positions?

These roles contribute to a broader project that combines immersive virtual environments, behavioral modeling, and transportation systems forecasting. The aim is to better understand and anticipate public adoption patterns of automated and innovative transport technologies using cutting-edge VR simulations and data analytics.

What Are the Key Project Tracks and Responsibilities?

Track 1: User Preference Estimation via Field VR Experiments
- Design and implement immersive VR choice experiments
- Manage recruitment and operation of field experiments in Abu Dhabi
- Analyze behavioral data and estimate preferences using discrete choice models
- Applicants must have a PhD in transport demand modeling, survey methods, or related fields
- Experience required in discrete choice models, data collection, and VR user interfaces

Track 2: XR Simulation and VR Environment Development
- Develop a dynamic VR environment reflecting Abu Dhabi’s urban settings
- Simulate vehicle motion and avatar interactions in Unity or Unreal Engine
- Handle XR headset setup and immersive experience calibration
- Applicants must have a PhD in computer science, digital technology, or related fields
- Experience required in XR simulation, 3D modeling tools (e.g., Autodesk Revit, BIM), and hardware integration

Track 3: Demand Forecasting with Substitution & Diffusion Models
- Forecast the long-term demand for new transport systems
- Integrate social conformity and dynamic preference modeling
- Apply machine learning and optimization to analyze large-scale datasets
- Applicants must have a PhD in transport economics, data science, or engineering
- Experience required in discrete choice modeling, big data, and predictive modeling

What Qualifications Are Needed?

Education:
- PhD in one of the following fields (depending on the track): Transport Demand Modeling, Survey Methods, Computer Science, Digital Technology, Applied Mathematics, Machine Learning, Engineering, or related disciplines

Required Skills:
- Demonstrated expertise in one of the three specialization tracks
- Strong publication record and motivation for academic research
- Experience with behavioral modeling or simulation tools as applicable
- Excellent analytical, teamwork, and communication skills

What Benefits Come with This Position?

- Very competitive salary
- Monthly housing allowance and family education subsidy
- Relocation assistance and travel support
- Comprehensive medical insurance
- Access to NYUAD’s high-tech research labs and interdisciplinary collaboration

How to Apply

Submit the following documents in PDF format:
- Cover letter (mentioning which of the three tracks you are applying for)
- Curriculum vitae with full publication list
- Statement of research interests
- Three letters of recommendation

For inquiries, email Prof. Elisabetta Cherchi at Elisabetta.Cherchinyu.edu. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.

Job Title Postdoctoral Associates – Immersive Virtual Reality for Transport Studies Job Description Postdoctoral Associates – Immersive Virtual Reality for Transport Studies The Sustainable and Innovative Transport Demand (SIT-D) Lab at New York University Abu Dhabi is seeking three Postdoctoral Associates to support a major research initiative using immersive virtual reality (VR) to explore public preferences for innovative mobility solutions. This interdisciplinary project investigates user behavior, simulation development, and predictive analytics related to future transport systems such as automated taxis. Job Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Industry: Higher Education and Smart Mobility Research Function: Research, Simulation, Behavioral Analysis Salary: Competitive with housing and education subsidies Gender: Any Candidate Nationality: Any (UAE Nationals encouraged to apply) Candidate Current Location: Any What Is the Research Focus of These Postdoctoral Positions? These roles contribute to a broader project that combines immersive virtual environments, behavioral modeling, and transportation systems forecasting. The aim is to better understand and anticipate public adoption patterns of automated and innovative transport technologies using cutting-edge VR simulations and data analytics. What Are the Key Project Tracks and Responsibilities? Track 1: User Preference Estimation via Field VR Experiments - Design and implement immersive VR choice experiments - Manage recruitment and operation of field experiments in Abu Dhabi - Analyze behavioral data and estimate preferences using discrete choice models - Applicants must have a PhD in transport demand modeling, survey methods, or related fields - Experience required in discrete choice models, data collection, and VR user interfaces Track 2: XR Simulation and VR Environment Development - Develop a dynamic VR environment reflecting Abu Dhabi’s urban settings - Simulate vehicle motion and avatar interactions in Unity or Unreal Engine - Handle XR headset setup and immersive experience calibration - Applicants must have a PhD in computer science, digital technology, or related fields - Experience required in XR simulation, 3D modeling tools (e.g., Autodesk Revit, BIM), and hardware integration Track 3: Demand Forecasting with Substitution & Diffusion Models - Forecast the long-term demand for new transport systems - Integrate social conformity and dynamic preference modeling - Apply machine learning and optimization to analyze large-scale datasets - Applicants must have a PhD in transport economics, data science, or engineering - Experience required in discrete choice modeling, big data, and predictive modeling What Qualifications Are Needed? Education: - PhD in one of the following fields (depending on the track): Transport Demand Modeling, Survey Methods, Computer Science, Digital Technology, Applied Mathematics, Machine Learning, Engineering, or related disciplines Required Skills: - Demonstrated expertise in one of the three specialization tracks - Strong publication record and motivation for academic research - Experience with behavioral modeling or simulation tools as applicable - Excellent analytical, teamwork, and communication skills What Benefits Come with This Position? - Very competitive salary - Monthly housing allowance and family education subsidy - Relocation assistance and travel support - Comprehensive medical insurance - Access to NYUAD’s high-tech research labs and interdisciplinary collaboration How to Apply Submit the following documents in PDF format: - Cover letter (mentioning which of the three tracks you are applying for) - Curriculum vitae with full publication list - Statement of research interests - Three letters of recommendation For inquiries, email Prof. Elisabetta Cherchi at Elisabetta.Cherchinyu.edu. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. Post Details

Job Start Date Salary from 0.00 Salary to 0.00 Number of Vacancies 1 Location Job Location -> UAE Abdu Dhabi Location City Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Desired Candidate's Profile Gender No Preference Nationality Candidate Current Location Job Classification Job Type Job Type -> Full-time Industry Type Job Industry -> Higher Education Job Function Job Functions -> Research Employers Details Company New York University Contact Person New York University Designation HR Manager Telephone 026284141 Email nyuad.careernyu.edu