PhD in Transparent AI Decision Support Systems for Sustainable Mobility

Introduction
Are you passionate about AI, sustainability, and transdisciplinary research? Would you like to bring together AI techniques and stakeholder insights to create transparent decision-support tools for tackling sustainable mobility challenges faced by businesses, governments and citizens?

Job Description
This PhD project is a part of The DECIDE project – Democratizing AI: Empowering Citizens through Transparent Decision-making. DECIDE is a large-scale, NWO-funded research initiative under the Dutch Research Agenda (NWA). It brings together 10 Dutch universities, over 50 academic researchers, and 30 societal partners in an ambitious inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration. Our shared mission is to design and implement a new generation of transparent, citizen-empowering AI systems, with a focus on AI-supported decision-making that contributes to the empowerment and democratic participation of citizens.

The DECIDE project addresses real-world challenges across domains such as healthcare, mobility, public governance, and healthy lifestyles. By co-developing strategies with societal stakeholders, DECIDE aims to create solutions that have tangible impact on society.

As a PhD candidate, you will be part of a multidisciplinary team of PhD students and become part of a vibrant inter- and transdisciplinary research community. You will:

• Collaborate across disciplines and with societal stakeholders to achievereal-world impact.
• Participatein joint training programs on interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research methods, citizen engagement, and ethical AI.
• Contribute tocutting-edge research that bridges theory and practice.

DECIDE is organized into 10 work packages (WPs):

• SixWPs focus on disciplinary perspectives in psychology, education, computer sciences, law, and philosophy.
• FourWPs address citizen-empowerment-scenarios (CES) in healthcare, mobility, public governance, and healthy living.

This PhD project focuses on the development of transparent and explainable AI-based Decision Support Systems (AI-DSS) for sustainable mobility, in close collaboration with societal partners SmartwayZ (https://smartwayz.nl/). The aim is to empower citizens, particularly SMEs, entrepreneurs, and policy makers, by enabling them to understand, explore, and evaluate the consequences of mobility-related policy and business decisions.

The PhD project explicitly combines computational modelling and AI techniques with social science research methods to 1) develop AI-based simulation and decision-support models, and 2) empirically investigate how different stakeholders (e.g. SMEs, entrepreneurs, policy makers) understand, use, and are empowered by such systems, by actively participating in stakeholder workshops, interviews, surveys, and case studies.

This position will be based in the Information Systems (IS) Group at the Department of Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). The candidate will be supervised by Dr. Yingqian Zhang, Dr. Hendrik Baier, and Dr. Plato Leung.

The Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences (IE&IS) department combines disciplinary knowledge from the humanities, social sciences and technical sciences to solve the complex problems of industries and society. We collaboratively focus on and create responsible and effective innovations for the research themes: Humans and Technology, Supply Chain Management, Sustainability and Circularity, and Value of Data-Driven Intelligence.

Job Requirements

• A Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Data Science, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related field.
• A motivated candidate with a research-driven mindset and a genuine interest in solving real-world challenges in close collaboration with industry.
• Strong interest and skills in computational modelling, simulation, AI, and programming.
• Preferably with a background or demonstrated interest in the social science domain.
• Familiarity with or strong motivation to develop skills in empirical social-science research methods, including interviews, surveys, and case study research.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).
• Proficiency in Dutch is preferable, as the role involves collaboration with local stakeholders.

Conditions of Employment
A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

About us
Eindhoven University of Technology is a leading international university within the Brainport region where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

The Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences (IE&IS) department combines disciplinary knowledge from the humanities, social sciences and technical sciences to solve the complex problems of industries and society. We collaboratively focus on and create responsible and effective innovations for the research themes: Humans and Technology, Supply Chain Management, Sustainability and Circularity, and Value of Data-Driven Intelligence.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Yingqian Zhang (YQZhang@tue.nl), Hendrik Baier (h.j.s.baier@tue.nl), or Plato Leung (y.k.leung@jads.nl).

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HRServices.ieis@tue.nl.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application
We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

PhD in Transparent AI Decision Support Systems for Sustainable Mobility

This PhD project is a part of The DECIDE project – Democratizing AI: Empowering Citizens through Transparent Decision-making. DECIDE is a large-scale, NWO-funded research initiative under the Dutch Research Agenda (NWA). It brings together 10 Dutch universities, over 50 academic researchers, and 30 societal partners in an ambitious inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration. Our shared mission is to design and implement a new generation of transparent, citizen-empowering AI systems, with a focus on AI-supported decision-making that contributes to the empowerment and democratic participation of citizens.

The DECIDE project addresses real-world challenges across domains such as healthcare, mobility, public governance, and healthy lifestyles. By co-developing strategies with societal stakeholders, DECIDE aims to create solutions that have tangible impact on society.

As a PhD candidate, you will be part of a multidisciplinary team of PhD students and become part of a vibrant inter- and transdisciplinary research community. You will:

• Collaborate across disciplines and with societal stakeholders to achievereal-world impact.
• Participatein joint training programs on interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research methods, citizen engagement, and ethical AI.
• Contribute tocutting-edge research that bridges theory and practice.

DECIDE is organized into 10 work packages (WPs):

• SixWPs focus on disciplinary perspectives in psychology, education, computer sciences, law, and philosophy.
• FourWPs address citizen-empowerment-scenarios (CES) in healthcare, mobility, public governance, and healthy living.

This PhD project focuses on the development of transparent and explainable AI-based Decision Support Systems (AI-DSS) for sustainable mobility, in close collaboration with societal partners SmartwayZ (https://smartwayz.nl/). The aim is to empower citizens, particularly SMEs, entrepreneurs, and policy makers, by enabling them to understand, explore, and evaluate the consequences of mobility-related policy and business decisions.

The PhD project explicitly combines computational modelling and AI techniques with social science research methods to 1) develop AI-based simulation and decision-support models, and 2) empirically investigate how different stakeholders (e.g. SMEs, entrepreneurs, policy makers) understand, use, and are empowered by such systems, by actively participating in stakeholder workshops, interviews, surveys, and case studies.

This position will be based in the Information Systems (IS) Group at the Department of Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). The candidate will be supervised by Dr. Yingqian Zhang, Dr. Hendrik Baier, and Dr. Plato Leung.

The Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences (IE&IS) department combines disciplinary knowledge from the humanities, social sciences and technical sciences to solve the complex problems of industries and society. We collaboratively focus on and create responsible and effective innovations for the research themes: Humans and Technology, Supply Chain Management, Sustainability and Circularity, and Value of Data-Driven Intelligence.

Postdoc in Quantum Safe Communications

Introduction
Are you passionate about keeping telecommunications networks secure and trustworthy for the future? Are you eager to help ensure that communications networks can continue to play their important role in modern society? Join us to work on quantum safe communications solutions for future networks.

Job Description
The security of modern communications is threatened by advances in quantum computing which have the potential to break common methods for establishing and distributing cryptographic keys. Unless networks can be upgraded to new, quantum safe methods the trust in communications networks which modern society so heavily relies on for all aspects of life cannot be maintained. Post-quantum cryptography and quantum key distribution have been shown to be viable options to provide key agreement and distribution that is safe against attackers enabled by quantum computers. However, these new cryptographic schemes and methods for key distribution need to be securely integrated in real-world network protocols and overall network security solutions.

In this PostDoc position you will address these challenges of integration QKD and PQC with network security frameworks and protocols. You will design and implement the relevant protocols and software components, benchmark and evaluate their performance and impact on networks, and analyze their security. In short, this PostDoc focuses on building network protocols and security solutions for quantum safe communications.

In this PostDoc you will become part of the quantum communications team at TU/e and will work closely with industrial partners. You will be embedded in the Quantum & Terahertz Systems (QTS) team within the Electro-Optical Communications (ECO) group of the Department of Electrical Engineering at TU/e. Within QTS you will work within a dynamic team of approximately thirty researchers and as part of ECO will be part of one of the leading groups on optical communications and networking with more than one hundred researchers. You will have the opportunity to work with and in the extensive laboratory facilities of the ECO group as well as the Quantum Communications Testbed NL (QuCT NL).

Job Requirements

• Motivated researcher, with a PhD in Telecommunications Networks research, or a comparable domain (typically in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science).
• Experience with network protocol design and implementation as well as network security protocols and security analysis.
• Experience with quantum key distribution and post-quantum cryptography.
• Ability to conduct high quality academic research, reflected in demonstratable outputs.
• A team player who enjoys coaching PhD and Master's students and working in a dynamic, interdisciplinary team.
• A proven ability to manage complex projects to completion on schedule.
• A proven ability to liaise with internal and external project stakeholders and partners to develop common understanding and establish agreed designs.
• Excellent (written and verbal) proficiency in English, good communication and leadership skills.

Conditions of Employment
A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for 1 year.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. € 4,241 max. € 5,538).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and a compensation for moving expenses.

About us
Eindhoven University of Technology is a leading international university within the Brainport region where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

The mission of the Department of Electrical Engineering is to acquire, share and transfer knowledge and understanding in the whole field of Electrical Engineering through education, research and valorization. We work towards a ‘Smart Sustainable Society’, a ‘Connected World’, and a healthy humanity (‘Care & Cure’). Activities share an application-oriented character, a high degree of complexity and a large synergy between multiple facets of the field.

Research is carried out into the applications of electromagnetic phenomena in all forms of energy conversion, telecommunication and electrical signal processing. Existing and new electrical components and systems are analyzed, designed and built. The Electrical Engineering department takes its inspiration from contacts with high-tech industry in the direct surrounding region and beyond.

The department is innovative and has international ambitions and partnerships. The result is a challenging and inspiring setting in which socially relevant issues are addressed.

The Quantum Communications Testbed NL (QuCT NL) is a leading facility and infrastructure for the development and test of quantum safe communications and future quantum networks. This facility is fully operated by TU/e and forms the backbone of both academic research and research and development for and with industrial partners. It consists of a field-deployed network with quantum key distribution and quantum safe communications infrastructure from a multitude of vendors and implementing a variety of security mechanisms and protocols.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager dr. Simon Rommel, Assistant Professor, s.rommel@tue.nl or +31 40 247 5704.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HRServices.ee@tue.nl.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application
We invite you to submit a complete application using the apply-button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.
• List of up to five self-selected ‘best publications’.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. Please note that incomplete applications may not be considered and could be rejected.

We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

Postdoc in Quantum Safe Communications

The security of modern communications is threatened by advances in quantum computing which have the potential to break common methods for establishing and distributing cryptographic keys. Unless networks can be upgraded to new, quantum safe methods the trust in communications networks which modern society so heavily relies on for all aspects of life cannot be maintained. Post-quantum cryptography and quantum key distribution have been shown to be viable options to provide key agreement and distribution that is safe against attackers enabled by quantum computers. However, these new cryptographic schemes and methods for key distribution need to be securely integrated in real-world network protocols and overall network security solutions.

In this PostDoc position you will address these challenges of integration QKD and PQC with network security frameworks and protocols. You will design and implement the relevant protocols and software components, benchmark and evaluate their performance and impact on networks, and analyze their security. In short, this PostDoc focuses on building network protocols and security solutions for quantum safe communications.

In this PostDoc you will become part of the quantum communications team at TU/e and will work closely with industrial partners. You will be embedded in the Quantum & Terahertz Systems (QTS) team within the Electro-Optical Communications (ECO) group of the Department of Electrical Engineering at TU/e. Within QTS you will work within a dynamic team of approximately thirty researchers and as part of ECO will be part of one of the leading groups on optical communications and networking with more than one hundred researchers. You will have the opportunity to work with and in the extensive laboratory facilities of the ECO group as well as the Quantum Communications Testbed NL (QuCT NL).

Internationalization Officer

Introduction
Does the idea of a job where you have direct contact with international students, plenty of independence, and the chance to optimize processes inspire you? Are you accurate and precise, and a good listener who can quickly filter essential information? And is your level of Dutch and English at least B2? Then you are the Internationalization Officer that the International Office is looking for. This position is part of the International Office of the Education and Student Affairs service (ESA), the central service for teaching staff and current and prospective students at Eindhoven University of Technology.

Job Description
As Internationalization Officer, you are the point of contact in one of the TU/e departments for students and colleagues concerning international exchange programs (International Experience) and the admission process for students wishing to embark on a full-time TU/e study program (Admissions). In the international context, the number of incoming and outgoing students is growing, and we are therefore looking for colleagues to expand the team.

Main responsibilities in International Experience
The focus here is on TU/e students who wish to spend part of their degree program at a foreign educational institution, and international students who wish to come to TU/e from a foreign educational institution to study, carry out an internship, or conduct a research project. You can read more about this here.

• Organization and coordination of the International Experience (exchange) for incoming and outgoing students.
• Providing students with information about studying at the TU/e or abroad and supporting them (via the website, the education guide, email, phone, drop-in sessions, etc.);
• Maintaining contact and preparing written agreements with partner universities;
• Delivering the necessary documentation for exchange (Bilateral Contracts, Learning Agreements, lists of grades, etc.);
• Improving departmental and TU/e processes for International Experience;
• Providing management data about International Experience.

Main responsibilities in (International) Admissions
The focus here is on students who would like to pursue a full degree program at TU/e, but whose admissibility (previous education level) must first be assessed. You can read more about this here: You can read more about this here.

• Serving as secretary to the Departmental Admissions Committee, where applications for master’s programs (from students with international and Dutch prior education) are assessed and processed.
• Coordinating and monitoring the admissions process in OSIRIS.
• Enabling FTC members to assess applicants’ prior education and advising them on the process in OSIRIS.
• Communicating with prospective students (via the website, the Education Guide, email, phone, etc.).
• Improving departmental and TU/e admissions processes.
• Providing management information on admissions.

Other duties:

• Taking part in projects to improve TU/e-wide International Office processes;
• Supporting colleagues in other departments during peak periods or when they are short-staffed due to absence;
• Other activities associated with the Center for Student Administration (CSA).

Job Requirements
We are looking for a colleague who:

• has demonstrated intellectual and professional ability at higher professional education (HBO) level;
• has proven experience in internationalization in higher education or a similar field;
• has proven knowledge of and experience with automated administrative processes. Experience with OSIRIS and/or Mobility Online is an advantage;
• has strong communication skills, with excellent spoken and written Dutch and English (at least B2 level and willing to increase to C1);
• is customer-focused, professional, and helpful;
• is able to quickly capture the essence of an issue and is good at working independently;
• is a team player experienced in working with different cultures in an international setting;
• can cope well with peak periods and strict deadlines;
• has an affinity for, or experience with, university and student life.

Conditions of Employment
An exciting position within an international yet personal university. You are right in the middle of the students, on a green campus within walking distance of the central station. Besides beautiful architecture, you will find varied workplaces and excellent sports facilities. We also offer you:

• A monthly salary of minimum €3,382 to maximum €4,484 for full-time employment, depending on your knowledge and experience (scale 8 collective labour agreement for Dutch Universities).
• In addition to vacation pay, a structural end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
• A favorable arrangement for more holidays or a sabbatical.
• A selection model for additional fringe benefits.
• Working hours in consultation for an optimal work-life balance.
• Scope for your talent with advancement prospects and excellent development opportunities such as mentoring, workshops and coaching.
• Partially paid parental leave and reimbursement for commuting expenses, working from home and the internet.
• A generous employer contribution to the favorable ABP pension plan.

Here you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us
Eindhoven University of Technology is a leading international university within the Brainport region where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Education and Student Affairs (ESA) is the central point at TU/e where students and staff receive a variety of educational support. There is a central ESA service with four divisions (Center for Student Administration, Policy, Advice and Projects, Student Facilities and Teacher Support and Quality Assurance) and an ESA team in each department.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to have more information about the position, please contact the hiring manager Niek Smits, n.t.w.smits@tue.nl.

For questions about the application process or the conditions of employment, please contact HR Services, hrservices.supportunits@tue.nl.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application
If you are interested, please use the ‘apply’ button to send us your CV and letter of application with your motivation and a description of your qualifications. Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

Screening of candidates begins as soon as applications are received and continues until the position is filled. Where applicable, internal candidates will be given priority over external candidates where they are equally suitable.

The latest date for applying for this position is February 8th 2026.
Interviews round 1 will be hosted on February 17th and round 2 on February 19th.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Important for non-EU applicants: Please be aware that for this position, specific residence permit requirements apply. If you are a non-EU national, you may not be eligible to legally work in this role under current Dutch immigration regulations. We strongly advise you to contact our Staff Immigration Team (staffimmigration@tue.nl) before applying to check your eligibility and to receive further guidance.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.