Background
Transportation systems are critical infrastructures that support the movement of people and goods and contribute significantly to economic and societal well-being. As transportation systems become increasingly complex and interconnected, ensuring their safety requires rigorous analytical methods, robust risk analysis approaches, and evidence-based decision support tools.
The Department of Industrial Engineering at Dalhousie University, in close collaboration with an industry partner, is undertaking a research project focused on transportation risk analysis in the railway sector. The project aims to validate an existing railway platform risk model and to develop targeted improvements to the model based on the outcomes of the validation process. Through quantitative analysis, simulation, expert elicitation, and stakeholder engagement, the project seeks to advance methods for understanding and managing safety risks in railway operations and passenger environments.
Position
The Department of Industrial Engineering at Dalhousie University is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow (PDF) in Transportation Risk Analysis to play a leading role in research implementation and project execution. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Prof. Floris Goerlandt and will work closely with an industry partner involved in the project.
The PDF will conduct cutting-edge research focused on the validation and improvement of an industrially relevant railway platform risk model. The work will involve applying a validation process to the existing model, quantitative risk model development and analysis, simulation, uncertainty analysis, and the evaluation of model performance using operational and observational data. The successful candidate will contribute to advancing analytical methods for transportation safety and risk-informed decision making.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and execute a comprehensive validation study of an existing railway platform risk model.
- Collect, organize, and analyze relevant data and information required for model validation and improvement.
- Develop and apply methods for quantitative risk analysis, uncertainty analysis, and model validation.
- Improve existing models through the application of advanced analytical and simulation approaches.
- Design and implement computational algorithms to support risk assessment and decision making.
- Prepare peer-reviewed journal articles, conference papers, technical reports, and presentations.
- Communicate research findings to industry stakeholders and academic audiences.
- Contribute to project coordination, documentation, and reporting activities.
The PDF will be employed by Dalhousie University (www.dal.ca) and must be physically based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The PDF will have opportunities to develop their own research agenda in transportation safety and risk analysis, and to strengthen their professional network through collaborations with industry and academic partners. Participation in academic career development programs offered by Dalhousie University is encouraged. The annual salary will range from $60,000 to $65,000 CAD, commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus benefits according to Dalhousie University’s benefits package for grant-funded employees.
The position is available from November 1, 2026, through October 31, 2027 (12 months), with a 6-month probationary period. Earlier start dates may be considered and candidates are encouraged to begin as soon as possible.
Questions about the position may be directed to Prof. Floris Goerlandt ([email protected]).
