The Research Project “Engaging Big Data” aims to turn streams of geographic and activity data into predictive models of activity and travel behavior, in order to test the viability of policy and infrastructure decisions before they are implemented, and guide and inform the urban and transport planning process. The goal is to dramatically improve the turnaround time, and lower the barrier-to-entry for implementing the latest agent-based, activity-oriented approaches to transportation modelling, applied to the open-source agent-based modeling framework, MATSim. Importantly, the methods developed should be applicable in both developing and developed urban contexts. A further goal will be to improve the means of protecting the privacy of people generating the data that drive these models, through machine learning and automated data synthesis.
You will help develop a fully data-driven agent-based transportation model of Singapore, synthesizing multiple data streams, e.g. cellular, public transport, toll gantry and credit card transaction data into a coherent whole; and enriching these data with activity purpose using survey information. Concurrently, you will apply machine learning techniques to mine data sources and automatically synthesize model input data. Enrolled as an ETH PhD student you will take advantage of rich further learning opportunities such as participating in graduate courses, academic seminars and attending research conferences, academic exchange at ETH Zurich or other institutions and potentially also co-supervise students who write their MSc thesis at FCL.
You are interested in simulation modeling, machine learning, data analysis and applying these techniques in the field of transportation planning. You have proven experience in object-oriented programming in a major language, e.g. C++, C#, Java or Python, as well as analysing data and applying machine-learning approaches in R, SPSS and/or MatLab. You have a Masters degree in Computer Science, Engineering or Applied Mathematics. You are keen to work in an interdisciplinary team at one of the leading urban science research institutions.
We offer a 3.5-year, fully funded PhD position in an inspiring environment at the Future Cities Laboratory of the Singapore ETH Centre with a competitive salary. As an interdisciplinary and international team we will nurture a collaborative spirit and strive for disciplinary excellence. Travel to conferences and academic training will be as much part of the package as free choice of hardware and a well-equipped workplace with access to facilities such as a gym and great food options in the vicinity. The PhD will be granted by ETH Zurich, one of the World’s top 10 universities, and co-supervised by Prof. Dr. Kay Axhausen as well as an external supervisor.
For further information please contact Mr. Pieter J. Fourie by e-mail [log in to unmask] (no applications) and visit our website http://www.fcl.ethz.ch/module/engaging-mobility/.
Applications with motivation letter, CV, diplomas and a portfolio of previous relevant projects should be sent online via https://apply.refline.ch/845721/4238/pub/1/index.html with attention to: ETH Zurich, Mrs. Corina Niescher, Human Resources, CH-8093 Zürich. Applicants should be prepared to be tested on their programming and analysis abilities in a short 'data challenge'. The application deadline is on 10th Dec 2015 and applications will be reviewed as they come in.
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