PhD Candidate in Agent-Based Modelling and Urban Health: Designing for Movement

Are you excited to use data and simulation models to design healthier, more active cities? Join the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS) as a PhD candidate “Designing for movement: modelling physical activity in urban environments using Agent-Based simulation”! You will explore how urban environments shape physical activity and health.

Your job
In collaboration with the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), you will develop agent-based models (ABM) to simulate how people move, make activity choices, and interact with their environment; ultimately helping to design equitable, active, and healthy urban spaces. Besides that, you will:

• extend an existing spatial transport ABM by incorporating a physical activity module to study how urban design, environmental stressors (e.g. heat, air pollution, pollen), and social factors (e.g. safety, norms, networks) influence active lifestyles;
• develop and test physical activity and destination choice models, integrating data from sources such as sensors, surveys, Google Street View imagery, and microdata (e.g. CBS Lifestyle Monitor, ODIN);
• use computational and AI-based modelling approaches to simulate how urban interventions (such as green spaces, outdoor fitness equipment, or active transport policies) affect population health and health equity;
• conduct case studies in Dutch and possibly European cities to evaluate real-world applications and policy impacts;
• collaborate with interdisciplinary experts from IRAS, TNO, and partner institutions, including urban planners, data scientists, and public health researchers.

You are a motivated and curious researcher with:

• a Master’s degree in Data Science, Urban Planning, Environmental Sciences, Geography, (Computational) Epidemiology, Behavior Sciences or a related field;
• experience with programming and modelling (e.g., Python, R, NetLogo, AnyLogic, or similar);
• a strong interest in urban health, physical activity, and environmental modelling;
• analytical and quantitative skills, and enthusiasm for working with complex spatial and behavioural data;
• excellent collaboration, writing, and presentation skills;
• proficiency in English (spoken and written).

• A position for one year, extended to four years upon a positive evaluation in the first year;
• a working week of 36 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3,059 and €3,881 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

At the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine we train the veterinarians and researchers of the future, provide care for animals and conduct leading and societal relevant research. That is what we are good at. We see that the health and welfare of animals, humans and the environment are interconnected. By sharing our knowledge and working together, we make positive impact, both nationally and internationally. Our 1,500 students and 950 staff members inspire and strengthen each other. Our engagement connects us. The drive to, from an integral perspective, make the world a better place.

For more information, please contact Professor Roel Vermeulen at r.c.h.vermeulen@uu.nl or Dr Kees de Hoogh at c.dehoogh@uu.nl.

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.