INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR GEO - INFORMATION SCIENCE AND EARTH OBSERVATION · NETHERLANDS
PhD Position: Climate-Adaptive Design for Historic Urban Landscapes
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
48 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- 4 yearsProgram Duration
- €3059 – €3881Monthly Salary (Gross)
- 38 hoursWeekly Hours
- International Collaboration (Netherlands & China)Project Scope
- Design Strategies & Digital ToolsResearch Focus
This PhD position at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) focuses on developing design strategies and digital tools for climate-resilient historic urban landscapes. The research addresses the challenges faced by historic cities from climate-related risks like flooding and heat stress, which often conflict with heritage preservation. As part of the international PAST-FORWARD project, this role involves interdisciplinary collaboration between institutions in the Netherlands and China to create evidence-based strategies for climate-proofing these unique urban areas while safeguarding their cultural and spatial identity. The research will combine design research, spatial analysis, and stakeholder engagement. It includes case studies and living labs in both countries, testing and refining strategies with researchers, policymakers, and practitioners. The project aims to develop methodologies for data collection, spatial mapping, vulnerability analysis, and climate modelling, contributing to scientific publications and a PhD dissertation.
Curriculum
The PhD research will involve analyzing climate vulnerabilities, developing adaptive spatial design principles, integrating nature-based solutions, contributing to digital planning tools, and testing strategies through case studies. The candidate will build and manage a GIS database, perform spatial analyses, and translate results into publications and a dissertation.
- Year 1-4
- Climate-Adaptive Urban Design
- Historic Urban Landscape Analysis
- Geospatial Analysis for Resilience
- Stakeholder Engagement and Co-creation
- Digital Tools for Adaptive Planning
- Dissertation Research and Writing
Careers
This PhD position is part of the PAST-FORWARD project, an international research collaboration focusing on climate-adaptive design for historic urban landscapes. The role provides opportunities for advanced research, publication in scientific journals, and contribution to a significant international project.
- PhD Researcher
- Climate Adaptation Specialist
- Urban Designer
- Landscape Architect
- Geospatial Analyst
Entry requirements
Master's DegreeIn Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, Urban Planning, Architecture, or a related field.
English ProficiencyDemonstrated proficiency required for communication, participation in courses, and writing scientific articles.
Strong interest in climate adaptation, urban resilience, and heritage landscapes. Experience with or willingness to learn spatial analysis, GIS, or digital planning tools. Affinity with climate adaptation strategies, nature-based solutions, or water-sensitive urban design is beneficial. Strong analytical, conceptual, and design-based research skills are essential. Experience with or interest in interdisciplinary collaboration and stakeholder engagement is valued. Ability to work independently and in an international team is required. Excellent English communication and writing skills are mandatory.
Fees
Tuition (international)—
Tuition (home)—
Living—
Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, with a gross monthly salary increasing from €3059 to €3881 based on a fulltime contract (38 hours). This includes an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus. The position is for four years.
How to apply
1. Submit Application OnlineUse the application button on the job listing page.
2. Upload Required DocumentsEnsure all necessary documents are uploaded with your online application.