→ Apply before 11/06/2026 (DD/MM/YYYY) 23:59 (Brussels Time)
→ Faculty of Sciences
→ Department: WE12 - Geografie
→ Occupancy rate: 100%
→ Number of positions: 1
→ Type of employment: Contract of limited duration
→ Term of assignment: 10 maanden
→ Wage scale: PD1 to PD4 (doctoral degree)
→ Required diploma: PhD
ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY
Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15,000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With its 11 faculties and more than 80 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.
YOUR TASKS
From the GIScience&Technology group at the Department of Geography, we contribute within the STREAMS (Safe Traffic and Road Evaluation, Analysis and Monitoring System) project to a so-called better Traffic understanding. Our main goal is to significantly improve traffic safety during road works, with a strong focus on Vulnerable Road Users (KWGs), in accordance with the 'Less Nuisance' principles. This requires a deep understanding of how different road users, and especially KWGs, interact at the micro level - an area where current macro analyses fall short. Your role as a researcher with us is crucial to fill this gap and deliver concrete, data-driven insights.
You focus on deepening traffic behavior at the micro level and translating it into practical applications. This includes the following core tasks:
- You perform detailed analyses of interactions between vehicles and Vulnerable Road Users (KWGs) at roadworks.
- You develop and apply advanced models that include realistic micro-interactions. In doing so, you use innovative hybrid AI techniques that combine symbolic AI methods such as Point Descriptor Precedence (PDP) with data-driven infrastructures such as transformers.
- You visualize analysis methods and results in a clear way for various stakeholders, including policy makers.
- You actively collaborate with other project partners (inside and outside the GIS&T group) in a multidisciplinary consortium.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- You have a PhD degree in a relevant field, such as Geography & Geomatics, Computer Science, or similar with specialization in spatiotemporal analysis, traffic modeling, or AI/data science.
- You have demonstrated experience with spatiotemporal data analysis. Experience with micro-traffic analysis is a plus.
- You have very strong expertise in data-driven methods and advanced AI techniques relevant to pattern recognition, anomaly detection, and prediction. Specific understanding of knowledge-based AI methods (such as PDP) is a plus.
- Understanding of traffic dynamics and the behavior of different road users, with special focus on Vulnerable Road Users.
- Ability to independently conduct research and define methodologies.
- Good communication skills (written and oral) to present complex results clearly.
- A team-oriented attitude and the ability to collaborate effectively within a project consortium.
- Scientific publications and experience with research projects are a must.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
- We offer you a contract of definite duration for 10 months, with an employment rate of 100%.
- Your contract will start on 1/08/2026 at the earliest.
- Your remuneration will be determined by salary scale PD1. Click here for more information about our salary scales.
- You will work in a research and teaching environment under the guidance of prof. Nico Van de Weghe. Depending on your background and interests, we can explore opportunities for further academic development.
- All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits.
INTERESTED?
Apply online through the e-recruitment system before 11/06/2026. We do not accept late applications or applications that are not submitted through the online system.
Your application must include the following documents:
- In the field ‘CV’: your CV and a transcript of your academic record (merged into one pdf file)
- In the field ‘Cover letter’: your application letter in pdf format
- In the field ‘Diploma’: a transcript of the required degree (if already in your possession). If you have a foreign diploma in a language other than our national languages (Dutch, French or German) or English, please add a translation in one of the mentioned languages.
Note that the maximum file size for each field is 10 MB.
As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.
MORE INFORMATION
For more information about this vacancy, please contact prof. Nico Van de Weghe ([email protected]). Important: do NOT send your application by email, but apply online.
Do you have a question regarding the online application process? Please read the FAQ or contact us via [email protected].
