Doctoral Researcher, Travel Behaviour And Well-Being

Aalto University School of Engineering, Department of Built Environment invites applications for a

DOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN TRAVEL BEHAVIOUR AND WELL-BEING (4 YEARS, FULL-TIME)

The Spatial Planning and Transport (SPT) research group has a vacancy for a highly talented and motivated candidate to carry out a doctoral research project on everyday mobility, travel behaviour, and the experiential dimensions of sustainable transport. The doctoral project will contribute to the group’s research agenda on the relationships between mobility, well-being, accessibility, and equity, and how these shape individuals lived experiences of urban environments. The PhD project may focus on one or more of the following themes: (i) experiential and emotional dimensions of travel behaviour and travel satisfaction; (ii) equity, mobility justice, and the distribution of accessibility; (iii) the role of time, autonomy, safety, and mental load in shaping daily mobility; (iv) the social and behavioural mechanisms behind mobility transitions; and (v) innovative qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods approaches for capturing lived mobility experiences. While the primary geographical focus will be on Finland, the research may incorporate comparative or complementary cases from other countries as appropriate.

The candidate must have high motivation and aptitude for research and must enjoy working in an international and cross-disciplinary group. Applicants should have a master’s degree in urban or regional planning, human geography, environmental policy, public administration, policy science, transport studies, or a related subject. Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English are essential. Also essential is the ability to work productively and independently. Previous knowledge and experience in the field of travel behaviour and urban planning is an advantage. Knowledge of Finnish is not required. Applicants must fulfil the eligibility and admission criteria for Aalto’s Doctoral Programme in Engineering as specified at .

The successful applicant will join a team of world-class researchers at Aalto University, receive extensive individual academic training and support, and will be given wide opportunities to participate in scientific conferences and meetings. The doctoral researcher will work under the supervision of Assistant Professor Hannah Hook in the SPT research group: .

Aalto University is a public research university which was established in 2010 after a merger of three major Finnish universities. It is consistently highly ranked in the areas of science, art, technology, and business. The University’s main campus is located in Espoo, approximately 15 minutes by metro from the centre of Helsinki. Helsinki is a safe, clean, green capital city with a very high quality of life. Most of the country’s population speaks English fluently. More information about living and working in Finland can be found at .

Completing a PhD at Aalto University is expected to take 4 years and research funding is available for this period, with a preferred start date in March 2026 (negotiable). The doctoral degree is granted after successfully completing a set of advanced taught courses (30 ECTS), writing a doctoral thesis (usually based on publications), and defending the thesis in a public examination. During the PhD, the doctoral researcher will be expected to present at high-level scientific conferences, publish in leading academic journals, actively participate in the SPT research group, assist in the preparation of new research proposals, and help to advise master’s students during the preparation of their final project.

The salary range, terms and conditions are based on a collective bargaining agreement among Finnish universities. Aalto University follows the salary system of Finnish universities. The starting salary is approximately 2900 €/month (gross), and it increases as the Doctoral Researcher progresses in the research and studies. The initial contract period is 2 years, evaluated by a compulsory midterm review during the second year, with the possibility of extension for the remaining period (a further two years) if satisfactory progress has been made.

Please submit your application through our recruitment system by 18 January 2026. The link to the recruitment system can be found at the end of this job advertisement (“Apply now!”). If you are already working at Aalto, please apply via our internal system Workday -> Find Jobs.

All applications must include the following materials:

All materials should be submitted in English in a single pdf-file (compiled in the order specified above). Applications submitted by email will not be accepted. Aalto University reserves the right to leave the position open, extend the application period, and consider candidates who have not applied during the application period.

Content-related questions about the vacancy may be directed via email to Hannah Hook (PhD supervisor) while recruitment-related questions may be directed to Sanni Mero (HR partner) using the email format firstname.lastname@aalto.fi.

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