Position Details

Position Information

Position Title Postdoctoral Fellow - Transportation Risk Analysis

Posting Number PTAP3531P

Department/Unit Industrial Engineering

Location Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Job Summary & Key Responsibilities

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 advantages 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]).

Qualifications/Requirements Of Position

- Ph.D. in a relevant field such as engineering risk analysis and management, system safety, transportation engineering, industrial engineering, operations research, systems engineering, applied mathematics, or a closely related discipline.
- A strong mathematical and analytical background.
- Research experience in risk analysis, system safety, safety science, transportation systems, or closely related fields.
- Demonstrated expertise in quantitative modelling and simulation.
- Experience with stochastic processes, uncertainty analysis, or probabilistic modelling methods.
- Experience in model validation, verification, and performance evaluation.
- Strong technical and software skills, particularly in Python, MATLAB , R, or comparable analytical environments.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement computational models and simulation tools.




- Strong publication record commensurate with career stage.
- Strong organizational, time management, and project management skills.
- Work effectively both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary research team.
- Communicate effectively with academic researchers, industry partners, and other stakeholders.

The following qualifications would be considered strong assets:
- Expertise in railway systems, railway operations, or railway safety.
- Experience with transportation risk analysis.
- Experience with passenger flow analysis, crowd dynamics, pedestrian simulation, or agent-based simulation.
- Experience with safety-critical systems engineering.
- Familiarity with industry risk management standards and practices.

Given the interdisciplinary nature of the project, applicants with strong expertise in quantitative modelling, risk analysis, or transportation systems, but who do not possess experience in all of the above areas, are encouraged to apply. Salary Range/Pay Rate $60,000 to $65,000 CAD

Additional Information

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above.

For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please review our Employment Equity information.

If you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance.

Dalhousie

University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed here .

Posting Detail Information

Term of appointment 1 year, anticipated start date of November 1, 2026

Open Date 08/21/2026

Close Date 09/09/2026

Open Until Filled No

Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/22017

📌 Postdoctoral Fellow - Transportation Risk Analysis (Halifax Regional Municipality)
🏢 Dalhousie University
📍 Halifax Regional Municipality