PhD Opportunity 2026 | Extended Reality (XR) for Safe and Active Mobility at TU Delft

PhD Opportunity 2026 | Extended Reality (XR) for Safe and Active Mobility at TU Delft

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) invites applications for a fully funded PhD position in Extended Reality (XR) for Safe and Active Mobility. This interdisciplinary research opportunity is part of the SAFE MOVE Project, which aims to improve the safety, inclusiveness, and adoption of active and micromobility through immersive Extended Reality (XR) technologies, wearable sensing, and data-driven mobility research.

Position Overview

About the Project

As cities increasingly embrace cycling, e-scooters, cargo bikes, wheelchairs, and other micromobility solutions, ensuring safe interactions between different road users has become a major challenge.

The SAFE MOVE Project brings together universities, industry partners, public authorities, and mobility stakeholders to develop innovative technologies that improve road safety, user comfort, and mobility accessibility.

This PhD research focuses on using Extended Reality (XR) and wearable sensing technologies to better understand how pedestrians, cyclists, micromobility users, and wheelchair users interact within urban environments.

Research Responsibilities

The selected PhD researcher will:

• Develop scalable XR simulation environments for diverse urban traffic scenarios.

• Design a multimodal XR ontology framework for mobility research.

• Conduct XR-based experiments to evaluate behavioural, cognitive, physiological, and psychological responses of road users.

• Measure perceived safety, stress, and comfort across different mobility modes.

• Validate XR findings through mixed-reality and real-world experiments.

• Develop XR-based safety training programmes for active and micromobility users.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary project partners to integrate XR with microscopic traffic simulations.

• Contribute to the SAFE MOVE integrated urban mobility data platform using heterogeneous behavioural and sensor data.

Research Focus Areas

The project involves research in:

• Extended Reality (XR)

• Virtual & Mixed Reality

• Smart Mobility

• Active Mobility

• Micromobility

• Human Factors Engineering

• Wearable Sensors

• Behavioural Analysis

• Traffic Safety

• Artificial Intelligence

• Data Analytics

• Urban Transportation Systems

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should possess:

• A Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Human Factors, Industrial Design, Transportation, Psychology, or a related discipline.

• Strong interest in Extended Reality (XR), human behaviour, or mobility systems.

• Experience in experimental research, simulation, programming, or data analysis is desirable.

• Excellent communication, teamwork, and analytical skills.

• Motivation to work in an interdisciplinary and international research environment.

Why Join TU Delft?

This PhD position offers the opportunity to:

• Conduct cutting-edge research in Extended Reality and future mobility systems.

• Work within the international SAFE MOVE consortium alongside universities, industry, and public authorities.

• Develop technologies that improve urban mobility safety and accessibility.

• Access state-of-the-art XR laboratories, wearable sensing technologies, and advanced research facilities.

• Collaborate across disciplines including engineering, behavioural science, AI, and transportation research.

• Contribute to next-generation smart city and sustainable mobility solutions.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application through the official TU Delft careers portal, along with all required academic documents and supporting materials specified in the official vacancy announcement.

About TU Delft

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is one of Europe's leading technical universities, globally recognized for excellence in engineering, transportation, digital innovation, and interdisciplinary research. Through initiatives like the SAFE MOVE Project, TU Delft is advancing intelligent, inclusive, and sustainable mobility solutions that address real-world urban transportation challenges.

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