PhD Researcher: Spatial Demography & Green Urban Futures

Universiteit Leiden; Leiden; On-site; EUR 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Leiden University’s Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) invites applications for a PhD Researcher on Environmental Impacts of Spatial Demographic Change. This project uses geospatial and environmental analysis to explore how demographic trends affect urban planning, resource demand and emissions across Europe.

You will develop models, integrate with life-cycle analyses, and help shape future urban strategies in a vibrant, multidisciplinary team at Leiden’s Science Campus.

Qualifications

• Masters in Sustainability Sciences or related field.
• Proficient in English; strong scientific communication.
• Experience with GIS analysis and large quantitative datasets.
• Interest in the intersection of demographic changes and environmental management.
• Ability to work independently in a multidisciplinary environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop high-resolution activity demand models for building and transport sectors.
• Integrate activity demand projections with material flow and life-cycle models.
• Evaluate adaptive reuse and circular strategies for vacant buildings and transport infrastructure.
• Design integrated spatial planning scenarios to support low-emission pathways.

Skills

GIS analysis

Large datasets

Programming

Collaboration

Independent work

English proficiency

Education

Master’s degree in Sustainability Sciences or related field

Tools

GIS software (QGIS/ArcGIS)

Life Cycle Assessment

Material Flow Analysis

R/Python programming

Job description

Leiden University’s Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) invites applications for a PhD Researcher on Environmental Impacts of Spatial Demographic Change. This project uses geospatial and environmental analysis to explore how demographic trends affect urban planning, resource demand and emissions across Europe.

You will develop models, integrate with life-cycle analyses, and help shape future urban strategies in a vibrant, multidisciplinary team at Leiden’s Science Campus.