Doctoral student in Human Performance Modeling for Safe Vehicle Automation

Om jobbet

Are you interested in understanding and modeling human capabilities to shape the future of autonomous systems? We are looking for a motivated PhD student to join an exciting research project focused on developing computational models of human performance limits and decision-making. If you are passionate about data-driven modeling, human behavior, and safe automation, this position at Chalmers University of Technology could be the perfect opportunity for you.

About us

The Division of Design & Human Factors at Chalmers University of Technology is dedicated to creating safe, meaningful, and sustainable systems through human-centered design. Our research focuses on how humans interact with technology and how this knowledge can be translated into better system design across domains such as transportation, healthcare, and automation. Within the division, you will join a research group focusing on human behavior modeling, data-driven methods, and safety-critical systems.

About the research project

This PhD project focuses on modeling the limits of driver performance, with an initial emphasis on steering control in demanding situations. The aim is to develop probabilistic computational models that quantify how drivers respond under time pressure, capturing both performance limits and variability across individuals and situations. The work will combine analysis of real-world driving data with computational modeling of driver response dynamics, providing a data-driven description of what drivers can and cannot achieve in critical scenarios. These models will be extended to routine driving and used to inform and evaluate automated driving features. By explicitly modeling the limits and variability of human performance, the project aims to support the design of automated driving systems that are better aligned with real driver capabilities, contributing to safer and more user-centered vehicle behavior. The work will be carried out in Gothenburg in collaboration with Chalmers and Volvo Car Corporation.

Who we are looking for

The following requirements are mandatory:

• a Master's degree (masterexamen) of 120 credits or a Master's degree (magisterexamen) of 60 credits* in mechanical/electrical/biomedical/human factors engineering or a related discipline
• Strong programming skills (e.g., Python, R)
• Experience with data processing and analysis
• Knowledge of statistics, or a strong willingness to learn
• A genuine interest in understanding and modeling human behavior
• Excellent written and spoken English skills

*for students with an education earned outside of Sweden, a 4-year Bachelor's degree is accepted.

We are looking for a candidate with a strong sense of quality who is curious, analytical, and able to work independently as well as collaboratively.

What you will do

As a doctoral student, you will:

• Develop computational/statistical models describing human performance limits using real-world driving data
• Investigate how these models can inform decision-making of automated driving features
• Collaborate with academic researchers and industry partners
• Publish scientific results in journals and present at international conferences
• Take doctoral courses within the PhD program
• Contribute to teaching and supervision (up to 20% of working time)

You are also expected to actively participate in the research environment and complete the PhD program, including a Licentiatie degree (after approx. 2.5 years) and a PhD degree (after 5 years).

Contract terms

• The Doctoral student positions are fully funded from start.
• The position is a fixed-term appointment of four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20%, which extends the position up to five years.
• A starting salary of 34,550 SEK per month (valid from May 25, 2025).
• Doctoral studies require physical presence throughout the entire study period. A valid residence permit must be presented by the study start date; otherwise the admission may be withdrawn.

What we offer

• As a Doctoral student at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
• Read more about Sweden's generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence.

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.

Find more general information about doctoral studies at Chalmers here.

Application procedure

The application should be written in English and attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV

Personal letter

• A brief introduction about yourself.
• A brief motivation as to why you are interested in this position.

Bachelor's and, if available, master's thesis together with the transcripts.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

A background check may be conducted as part of the application process.

Please note:The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview.

We welcome your application no later than 2026-05-30

For questions, please contact:

Linda Pipkorn
Assistant Professor
linda.pipkorn@chalmers.se

Pontus Wallgren
Head of Division
pontus.wallgren@chalmers.se

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.
Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez - forward.

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