Human greenhouse gas emissions are causing the climate to change at unprecedented rates and this change is partly irreversible. Especially in densely populated urban areas the negative health effects become more and more noticeable. Heath waves cause death rates to rise and car emissions cause lung diseases etc. Measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to counteract the effects of climate change can reduce health risks and enhance population health and well being. For example, green spaces may reduce heat stress and prevent flooding but also improve air quality, promote healthy behaviour and social interaction, and reduce stress and anxiety. Yet, the size and type of green space required in urban environments to achieve meaningful effects on physical, mental and social well being is not known. 

Your research will contribute to understanding of these complex mechanisms, specifically in the context of vulnerable urban areas. You will combine the expertise of different scientific fields (e.g., policy, health and behavioural sciences, engineering, economics) and of local practitioners and citizens to develop models. You will test how these models support design and evaluation climate adaptation measures that contribute to healthy neighbourhoods and local citizens’ well being. The Green Village at TUDelft campus and urban areas in Rotterdam and Dordrecht will be case studies.

You will join the Water Management department at TU Delft. The Water Resources section within this department focuses on drought, precipitation, floods and how water behaves in the atmosphere and beneath or on the Earth's surface. You will closely collaborate with the faculties of Architecture and the faculty of Technology, Policy Analysis and Management and with relevant research groups at Erasmus University Rotterdam and Leiden University Medical Centre. 

• A completed Master degree in a for the job description relevant field or demonstrable working experience at Master level.
• Strong analytical, quantitative (programming), experimental (design), data analysis and communication skills (written and oral) are a prerequisite.
• Dutch proficiency level B2 or higher or willingness and capacity to master this level within 1 year after the start of the PhD is required as well as affinity with teaching and working with (BSc and MSc) students.
• If your mother language is not English and you do not hold a degree from an institution in which English is the language of instruction, you must submit proof of English proficiency from either TOEFL (minimum total score of 100) or IELTS (minimum total score of 7.0). Proof of English language proficiency certificates older than two years are not accepted.

Fixed-term contract: 4 Years.

TU Delft offers PhD-candidates a 4-year contract, with an official go/no go progress assessment after one year. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2395 per month in the first year to € 3061 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Civil Engineering & Geosciences

The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Our research feeds into our educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource depletion, urbanisation and the availability of clean water, conducted  in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced that Open Science helps to achieve our goals and supports its scientists in integrating Open Science in their research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in the following seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences.