Postdoc: Urban Policy, Planning & Digital Urban Solutions

Regional Studies; France; On-site; EUR 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12-month contract

Full-time

Job summary

The Transport Urban Planning and Economics Laboratory (LAET) in Lyon, France, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Urban Policy, Planning and Digital Urban Solutions to join the SmartUrbanity project. The position focuses on WP5: Roadmaps, Guidelines, Policy Recommendations and Strategy Optimisation.

We seek a PhD in urban planning or related field with evidence of research in urban policy, planning or digital urban solutions, strong research methods, and excellent English

Qualifications

• PhD in urban planning, spatial planning, urban studies, transport planning, geography, public policy, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated research experience in urban policy, planning, urban mobility, citizen engagement or related fields.
• Experience with qualitative and/or quantitative research methods, including stakeholder engagement and participatory approaches.
• Experience analysing urban policies, planning strategies or governance processes.
• Interest in the application and evaluation of digital solutions for urban planning and decision-making.
• Ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary and international research teams.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Contribute primarily to WP5 – Roadmaps, Guidelines, Policy Recommendations and Strategy Optimisation, while collaborating with other work packages and pilot cities.

Skills

Urban policy

Research methods

Stakeholder engagement

Interdisciplinary teamwork

English communication

Education

PhD in urban planning or related field

Job description

Location Transport Urban Planning and Economics Laboratory (LAET), France

We are hiring a Postdoctoral Researcher in Urban Policy, Planning and Digital Urban Solutions to join the SmartUrbanity project at the Transport Urban Planning and Economics Laboratory (LAET) in Lyon, France.

Project Overview: SmartUrbanity is an innovative research project funded under the Driving Urban Transitions (DUT) Partnership. The project develops a citizen-centric digital framework to support more accessible, inclusive and sustainable urban planning and decision-making.

The project is implemented through five pilot activities in Rome, Karlsruhe, İzmir, the Lyon Metropolitan Area and the Greater Zurich Area.

The Position: The successful candidate will contribute primarily to WP5 – Roadmaps, Guidelines, Policy Recommendations and Strategy Optimisation, while collaborating closely with other work packages and pilot cities.

Expected Profile:

• A PhD in urban planning, spatial planning, urban studies, transport planning, geography, public policy, or a closely related field;
• Demonstrated research experience in urban policy, planning, urban mobility, citizen engagement or related fields;
• Experience with qualitative and/or quantitative research methods, including stakeholder engagement and participatory approaches;
• Experience analysing urban policies, planning strategies or governance processes;
• Interest in the application and evaluation of digital solutions for urban planning and decision-making;
• Ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary and international research teams;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

Position overview:

• Duration: 12 months
• Starting date: January 2027
• Gross salary: Approximately €2,800/month • Working hours: Full-time
• Cover letter describing motivation and relevant experience; • Two published scientific articles that showcase your expertise in the relevant research areas.