AIS4AFI PhD Position 2026

Stage Researcher (R1) Positions: PhD Positions Application Deadline: 23 Nov 2026 - 12:00 (Europe/Brussels) Country: Spain Type of Contract: Temporary Job Status: Full-time Hours Per Week: 37.5 Offer Starting Date: 1 Jan 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Other EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No Offer Description We offer a 3 year position funded by two contracts. The first 12 months will be funded by a contract issued by the HEI (Universidad de Sevilla), where the students will spend the first year. The ensuing 24 months will be spent at the JRC and will be funded by a contract issued by the JRC. At the HEI, the candidate will join the Robotics and Computer Technology Laboratory (RTC), a research group composed of members of the Architecture and Computer Technology Department at the Universidad de Sevilla. The group has strong experience in modelling and simulation of complex systems, cellular automata, agent-based modelling, AI, optimisation, high-performance computing (HPC), geographic information processing and intelligent transport systems. At the JRC, the candidate will join Unit C.6 – Economics of Climate Change, Energy and Transport, which performs research in support of energy, transport and climate-related policies. This incorporates the assessment of the impacts of decarbonisation policies and regulatory tools, and analyses the links between competitiveness, energy and transport. This work includes the development of a reference toolset of transport network models, and research to improve their reliability and robustness. The doctoral candidate will have access to research expertise, software infrastructure and HPC resources at the Universidad de Sevilla, as well as to the modelling and policy analysis capabilities and the science-for-policy environment of the JRC. Where to apply E-mail: jlguisado@us.es Requirements Research Field: Computer science Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent Skills/Qualifications We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a strong interest in modelling and simulation, artificial intelligence, sustainable mobility, energy transition, climate change and decarbonisation, and science-for-policy research. Candidates should have: A Master’s Degree, or equivalent qualification giving access to doctoral studies, in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Transport Engineering, Energy Systems Engineering, or Operations Research. Demonstrated strong quantitative skills and proficiency in scientific programming languages, particularly Python and/or C/C++, as well as potentially other languages such as Rust, MATLAB, Java or R. Knowledge of artificial intelligence, machine learning, optimisation, simulation, data analysis and high-performance computing (HPC). Experience or interest in sustainable transport, electric vehicles, alternative fuels infrastructure, road-network modelling, energy-system modelling or climate and transport policy. Organisational and planning skills, and the ability to work independently and proactively within interdisciplinary and international research teams. Sufficient oral and written communication skills in English are required to carry out research activities, interact with the Joint Research Centre and produce scientific outputs. Proof of English language proficiency at B2 level or equivalent must be provided, in accordance with the requirements established in the collaborative doctoral project call for applications. Willingness to contribute to scientific publications, technical reports, software development and dissemination activities. Motivation to participate in the collaborative doctoral project between Universidad de Sevilla and the Joint Research Centre. Specific Requirements The following will be favourably considered: Modelling and simulation of complex systems, including agent-based simulation, cellular automata, mesoscopic or macroscopic traffic models and/or discrete event system specification (DEVS) methodologies. Traffic and transport modelling and simulation, including experience with tools such as SUMO, MATSim, TransCAD, PTV Visum, Cube or equivalent software. Optimisation methods, including genetic algorithms, simulated annealing, neural networks, reinforcement learning and/or deterministic methods, as well as optimisation software such as GAMS. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and geospatial analysis, including QGIS, ArcGIS, Gephi or equivalent tools. Graph theory, network analysis, geospatial data structures, OpenStreetMap and/or graph databases. Sustainable and electric mobility, electric vehicles, alternative fuels charging and refuelling infrastructure, infrastructure planning and the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). Energy-system and electricity-grid modelling. High-performance computing (HPC), parallel programming, graphics processing unit (GPU) computing, cloud computing and/or scalable software development. Scientific software development, collaborative software development, integration, verification, validation and software testing. Previous experience in research projects, participation in R&D activities, scientific publications, conference contributions or preparation of technical reports. Knowledge or experience in areas related to transport decarbonisation, energy systems, electric mobility, charging infrastructure, hydrogen, climate and energy policy or science-for-policy analysis. Ability to communicate scientific and technical information effectively to diverse audiences. Languages: ENGLISH Level: Good Research Field: Computer science Years of Research Experience: 1 - 4 Internal Application form(s) needed: PhD Vacancy - 25-17 - US - AIS4AFI 2026.pdf (197.85 KB - PDF) Additional Information Benefits Stage at the HEI (Universidad de Sevilla) The first employment period will be at the Universidad de Sevilla. Duration: 1 year Indicative start date: [1 January 2027] Estimated gross annual salary: €31,643.84 Estimated gross monthly salary: €2,500 over 12 annual payments Workplace: Robotics and Computer Technology Laboratory (RTC), Architecture and Computer Technology (ATC) Department, Universidad de Sevilla, Spain Working time: full-time, subject to the applicable Universidad de Sevilla employment conditions and the conditions established in the CDP framework. Stage at the JRC The second employment period will be at the JRC. While employed at the JRC, the salary and benefits are those of a JRC Grantholder Category 20, following the Grantholder Rules. The annual gross salary will be around €48,000 and is subject to national income tax. Duration: 2 years Indicative start date: [1 January 2028] Estimated gross annual salary: €48,000 + mobility allowance and family allowance (if applicable) Estimated gross monthly salary: ≈ €4,000 Workplace: European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Unit C.6 – Economics of Climate Change, Energy and Transport, Seville, Spain Working time: full-time, subject to the applicable JRC employment conditions and the conditions established in the CDP framework. The successful candidate will benefit from: a fully funded, three-year doctoral position with a competitive salary and stable, full-time employment contracts throughout the entire doctoral trajectory; a fully collaborative PhD project between Universidad de Sevilla and the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre; joint supervision by academic and JRC researchers; a research topic at the interface of AI, simulation, sustainable transport, energy systems and EU policy support; access to an interdisciplinary research environment with expertise in traffic modelling, charging infrastructure, AI, optimisation, HPC and energy-system analysis; the opportunity to contribute to scientific publications and policy-relevant research outputs; integration into the CDP community and exposure to the science-policy interface; access to training activities associated with the doctoral programme and the CDP framework; opportunities to attend international conferences, summer schools and CDP networking events; excellent career prospects in academia, industry, research institutions and EU and national public administrations, supported by the growing CDP alumni network; the opportunity to live and work in Seville, a vibrant, welcoming and affordable city with an outstanding quality of life, which hosts both the Universidad de Sevilla and one of the main JRC sites – meaning the entire three-year trajectory can be completed without relocating. Eligibility criteria Candidates must fulfil the admission requirements for doctoral studies at the Universidad de Sevilla. These requirements can be consulted on the website of the Doctoral Programme in Computer Engineering: https://www.doctoradoinformatica.us.es/ . Additionally, candidates must, by the application deadline indicated in the Doctoral Vacancy, have the nationality of a Member State of the EU or a country associated to the EU Research Framework Programme in force, or have been resident in an EU Member State for at least five consecutive years. Candidates who are already enrolled in a doctoral study programme at the Partner Institution can be considered eligible, provided that they have been enrolled for less than 12 months by the application deadline indicated in the Doctoral Vacancy. The selected candidate will have no more than 6 months from the request for confirmation of interest in the position, to produce proof of enrolment in the doctoral study programme. The selection, recruitment and security clearance processes for the JRC period are subject to EU and national legislation and to the internal rules and regulations of the European Union institutions. The JRC may request additional supporting documents before the start of the Grantholder contract, including an updated signed CV and a recent criminal record certificate, where applicable. Selection process The selection process will be carried out following the CDP selection rules and will consist of two phases: Pre-selection by the HEI (Universidad de Sevilla): the HEI (Universidad de Sevilla) screens applications for eligibility and invites a shortlist of candidates to a first interview organised by the HEI. The Selection Committee shall be responsible for evaluating the merits of the applications and arranging interviews. Final selection by the JRC: based on the results of the pre-selection by the HEI, the JRC invites 2 to 5 shortlisted candidates to a second and final interview. The final ranking and selection will be made following the selection rules detailed in the CDP framework. Additional comments Applicants should submit the following documents: curriculum vitae, preferably including research, software, project and publication experience; motivation letter explaining the candidate’s interest in the PhD topic, the CDP framework, Universidad de Sevilla and the JRC; copy of the degree certificate giving access to doctoral studies, or proof that the candidate is expected to obtain it before the start of the contract; academic transcript of records, including the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree grades; short description of the Master’s thesis or equivalent research work, including title and supervisor; at least two recommendation letters; proof of English language proficiency (B2 level) In compliance with the CDP framework, additional documentation required by the official recruitment procedures of the Universidad de Sevilla and by the JRC will need to be provided before signature of the employment contract. Applications must be submitted through: All interested applicants must submit their application by email to all three of the following email addresses: jlguisado@us.es , fdiaz@us.es and mvilla@us.es , attaching a single .zip file containing all the documents listed above. Applications must be received no later than 23 November 2026 at 12:00 (midday), Brussels time. The email subject line must be: AIS4AFI PHD POSITION 2026 APPLICATION – [APPLICANT'S FULL NAME] Applicants are advised to request a read receipt when submitting their application, where supported by their email service. Application data will be processed by Universidad de Sevilla and, where applicable, shared with the Joint Research Centre for the purposes of eligibility checking, pre-selection, shortlisting, interviews and final selection within the CDP framework. Data processing will follow the applicable data protection rules and the privacy information provided by Universidad de Sevilla and the European Commission. Further information For scientific enquiries, please contact: Dr José Luis Guisado Lizar, Universidad de Sevilla, Email: jlguisado@us.es Dr Juan Nicolás Ibáñez, Joint Research Centre, European Commission, Email: Juan-Nicolas.IBANEZ@ec.europa.eu For administrative enquiries and application procedures, please contact: For matters related to the University of Seville, please contact jlguisado@us.es and mvilla@us.es . For matters related to the CDP programme and the selection phase at JRC, please contact JRCCDP@ec.europa.eu Informal enquiries about the research topic before applying are welcome – do not hesitate to reach out to the supervisors. Equal opportunities Universidad de Sevilla and the Joint Research Centre are committed to equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion. Applications from candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged, provided that they fulfil the eligibility and admission requirements established for the position. Work Location(s) Universidad de Sevilla – Robotics and Computer Technology Laboratory (RTC) Number of offers available: 1 Company/Institute: Universidad de Sevilla – Robotics and Computer Technology Laboratory (RTC) Country: Spain State/Province: Seville City: Seville Postal Code: 41012 Street: Avenida Reina Mercedes, s/n European Commission - Joint Research Centre Number of offers available: 1 Company/Institute: European Commission - Joint Research Centre Country: Spain State/Province: Seville City: Seville Postal Code: 41092 Street: Edificio EXPO - C/Inca Garcilaso, 3 Contact State/Province: Sevilla City: Sevilla Street: Avenida Reina Mercedes s/n Postal Code: 41012 E-Mail: jlguisado@us.es , fdiaz@us.es , mvilla@us.es