Erasmus MC, TU Delft and Erasmus University Rotterdam have joined forces in the Pandemic and Disaster Preparedness Center (PDPC). PDPC aims to prepare society for future pandemics and disasters. We will reduce vulnerabilities and risks and build resilience through effective disaster prevention, preparedness and recovery measures. Convergence of the technical, medical and social sciences is essential for developing the next generation of approaches to disasters and pandemics. In the foreseeable future, our society can expect many more and unforeseen virus outbreaks and extreme events because of climate change. But how do we protect society from the next pandemic or disaster? Which of the lessons learnt could develop prevention and intervention measures, and how could research contribute to preparedness?
The PDPC Frontrunner project “Towards social and urban resilience for pandemics and disasters (SURE)” focusses on urban heat and Covid-19, associated processes of mis- and dis-information related to climate change and pandemics, and questions related to local public infrastructure to increase agency and to improve resilience of urban residents and populations. 

The PhD position Hot Summers and urban and regional inequalities is part of the PDPC Frontrunner project SURE and addresses the differential impacts of urban heatwaves on individuals and their communities. 

Climate change is leading to an increase in people exposed to heat stress globally. The effect of this disaster is exacerbated in urban environments, given that urban form and materialisation increase local temperatures – also known as the Urban Heat Island effect. Also, the intensity and duration of heat waves is an important factor. Urban heat leads to problems with respect to health, such as increased morbidity and mortality, decreased indoor and outdoor thermal comfort, and decreased labour productivity.
These impacts of urban heat are not distributed equally over the urban region nor over the population, and there are compounding risks; previous studies have shown a significant statistical association between individual characteristics like having a low socioeconomic status and belonging to an ethnic minority group.

This sub-project investigates the socio-spatial distribution of urban heat impacts on a fine spatial scale (100m), focussing on the following five sub-questions: (1) Which socio-economic groups are most exposed to urban heat? (2) where are these groups located geographically and how does this location relate to urban form/design? (3) What compounding risks are related to urban heat exposure, and which geographies are most affected? (4) what impacts does urban heat have on behaviours and individual outcomes? and (5) what lessons can be learned from a fine-grained assessment of heat exposure to help decision-makers to prioritise urban heat mitigation measures?

To answer these research questions this study will use a unique combination of high-resolution climate (i.e. from meteorological and remote sensing observations) and spatial data (GIS, 3D BAG, etc) with individual level data from CBS for which experts from The University of Twente (ITC) and TU Delft will cooperate.

• a Master's degree in Environmental Studies, Urbanism, Human Geography, Spatial Planning or a related spatially aware discipline;
• clear affinity with and preferably experience in interdisciplinary research;
• strong quantitative research skills and statistical data analysis and numerical modelling with large datasets;
• an excellent command of spoken and written English and good communication skills; 
• the ability to work in a team, taking initiative, being result-oriented and organized, excellent study results, and academic writing skills are regarded as assets.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2443 per month in the first year to € 3122 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 Architecture & the Built Environment

The Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment has a leading role in education and research worldwide. The driving force behind the faculty’s success is its robust research profile combined with the energy and creativity of its student body and academic community. It is buzzing with energy from early in the morning until late at night, with four thousand people studying, working, designing, conducting research and acquiring and disseminating knowledge. Our faculty has a strong focus on 'design-oriented research’, which has given it a top position in world rankings.

Staff and students are working to improve the built environment with the help of a broad set of disciplines, including architectural design, urban planning, building technology, social sciences, process management, and geo-information science. The faculty works closely with other faculties, universities, private parties, and the public sector, and has an extensive network in the Netherlands as well as internationally.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment.