Description
The Transportation Research at McGill (TRAM) laboratory, located within McGill University’s School of Urban Planning, is offering two fully-funded Ph.D. positions starting in Fall 2027. Supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), this program is designed for highly motivated scholars passionate about public transit operations and urban mobility. Selected candidates will work directly under the mentorship of Professor Ahmed El-Geneidy.
By joining the TRAM research group, students become part of a dynamic, collaborative network of academics, industry practitioners, and policymakers. The lab focuses on generating practical, data-driven solutions that directly influence public transport policies and urban planning strategies.
Research Focus
Ph.D. candidates will have the opportunity to delve into critical urban transport challenges. Research agendas will primarily focus on the following key areas:
- Public Transport Planning and Operations: Analyzing transit performance metrics such as schedule adherence, headway deviations, and running times. Research will also explore customer satisfaction and the overall passenger travel experience.
- Land Use and Transport Planning: Investigating the complex relationship between urban land development and transportation networks. This includes developing and evaluating perceived accessibility measures for practical implementation in city planning.
Scholarship Value and Benefits
- Full Funding: Recipients receive three years of comprehensive funding based on academic merit.
- Additional Opportunities: Eligible students may also qualify for supplemental university fellowships and external research awards.
Qualification & Eligibility Criteria
Ideal candidates must demonstrate a profound interest in transit planning, policy evaluation, and urban design. Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Academic Background: A completed Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Engineering, Data Science, Statistics, Geography, Economics, Public Policy, or a related discipline.
- Language Proficiency: Exceptional English communication skills are required (Minimum scores: TOEFL 100 or IELTS 7.0). French language proficiency is considered a strong asset.
- Technical Skills: Experience with geospatial analysis and statistical modeling. Proficiency in R and GIS is highly preferred, or candidates must demonstrate a strong willingness to learn these tools.
- Additional Assets: Prior peer-reviewed academic publications and a working knowledge of the public transit ecosystem in Quebec will provide a competitive edge.
Application Procedure
The application process for the TRAM Ph.D. program involves a preliminary Expression of Interest (EOI) followed by a formal university application. Please follow these steps carefully:
- Prepare Required Information: Gather details regarding your academic history (degrees, institutions, GPA), a summary of relevant professional experience, and official English language test scores.
- Assemble Application Documents: You must format the following materials into PDF documents (maximum 10MB each):
- A combined PDF containing a current CV and a maximum 1-page cover letter. The cover letter must explain your interest in the TRAM lab, alignment with the research topics, relevant technical skills, and post-graduation career goals.
- A single PDF containing unofficial academic transcripts.
- A 1-page personal statement detailing your background, personal strengths, achievements, and how this Ph.D. aligns with your long-term ambitions.
- A detailed statement of research objectives (maximum 3 pages) outlining your proposed methodology, intended plans, and core research interests.
- Submit the Expression of Interest: Complete and submit the EOI form with all uploaded documents before November 15, 2026.
- Interview & Final Application: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview in November or December 2026. Successful applicants must then submit their official application through the McGill online admissions system by January 15, 2027.
For technical issues with the EOI form, please contact evan.roncace@mcgill.ca.
Application
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