The UC Davis Institute of Transportation Studies (ITS-Davis) seeks applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar to contribute to studies on the induced travel effects of highway investments and related topics. Applicants should have both qualitative and quantitative research experience and knowledge of the regional transportation planning process, travel demand forecasting models, and the federal and state environmental review processes for both transportation and land use development projects. The successful candidate will work as a part of an interdisciplinary team led by professor Susan Handy and researcher Jamey Volker at ITS-Davis. If you are interested in the position, please submit a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and a current CV to Susan Handy, slhandy@ucdavis.edu, by May 1.

The UC Davis Institute of Transportation Studies (ITS-Davis) seeks to hire a researcher for the Sustainable Freight Research Program. This role requires a highly multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research and engineering background, focusing on integrating advanced modeling technologies in transportation, vehicles, and energy systems, modeling to optimize infrastructure, and to develop policies to promote and ensure the sustainability of low-carbon (especially electrified) transportation. The successful candidate will leverage their extensive expertise in data-driven modeling, economic and policy analysis of zero-emission vehicles, and intelligent digital solutions to lead innovative research projects. Topics will also cover market penetration of light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty ZEVs (BEVs, PHEVs, FCVs, etc.), battery/fuel cell/etc. performance and vehicle dynamics, vehicle cost analysis and prediction, and conducting large-scale simulations to assess the economic, environmental, and energy impacts of advanced electrified transportation systems. The positions responsibilities include developing, obtaining funding for, and executing research projects; producing reports and papers and establishing a strong track record of publications; guiding other researchers and graduate students in their research; creating and participating in group research projects; and presentations to and other involvement in various academic and policy fora and initiatives within and outside the state of California in order to network and establish a key role within research and policy circles.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Vehicle Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, with substantial (more than 2 years) postdoctoral experience.
• Extensive research and publication history in topics related to both technological advancements and economic analysis of energy and electrified transportation.
• Strong knowledge and research experience in both light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty vehicles and transportation.
• Extensive background in BEV (Battery Electric Vehicles), PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles), and FCV (Fuel Cell Vehicles) technologies and economics.
• Proven track record of developing and managing research programs related to energy (batteries, fuel cells, etc.), vehicle technologies, transportation systems, and infrastructure (charging stations/H2 refueling stations).
• Strong experience with statistical and simulation models, including the use of software such as MATLAB, Simulink, Python, spreadsheets, and other tools for large-scale data analysis.
• Proficiency in advanced analytics and modeling abilities, such as AI, machine learning, deep learning, big data, cloud technology, and digital twins, with a focus on applications in the energy and transportation sectors.
• Proven track record as a chief/senior engineer or similar role in a Fortune Global 500 company is preferable.
• Demonstrated ability to lead interdisciplinary teams and mentor junior researchers and students in a collaborative environment.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to disseminate research findings to both academic and policy-making audiences through publications, conferences, and direct engagement.
• Prior involvement in international projects and collaborations, demonstrating the ability to work effectively across different cultural and organizational contexts.