Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) School of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, invites applications for a fully funded 4-year PhD position focused on dynamic outdoor thermal comfort assessment to enhance user experience along urban pathways in a Nordic climate. The research is situated in Estonia’s capital, Tallinn, and is affiliated with the Academy of Architecture and Urban Studies.

The PhD project addresses the challenge of evaluating and improving outdoor thermal comfort for pedestrians and cyclists in urban environments, particularly in regions with significant seasonal variation and frequent winds. The research will develop and integrate methodologies using parametric urban design, microclimate simulations, GIS, Digital Twin technologies, and machine learning to assess and predict thermal comfort dynamically as individuals move through urban spaces. The work is part of a Horizon Europe pilot project, aiming to create an interactive, scenario-based platform for evaluating design solutions and mitigation strategies to improve user experience year-round.

Key research questions include: How can dynamic outdoor thermal comfort be reliably assessed in urban environments with spatio-temporal variation? What design and mitigation strategies involving urban form, materials, and nature-based solutions can ensure comfort throughout all seasons? Can fast parametric algorithms and machine learning models replace time-consuming simulations for scenario evaluation?

The project objectives are: (1) to develop robust methodologies for dynamic thermal comfort assessment in Nordic climates, integrating high-resolution simulations, environmental measurements, GIS-based analyses, and bioclimatic indices; (2) to identify and evaluate design solutions and mitigation strategies for year-round comfort, considering the trade-offs between summer heat stress and winter cold stress; and (3) to create predictive tools using parametric algorithms and ML models for rapid scenario-based assessment, supporting planners and decision-makers in early-stage urban design.

Responsibilities include conducting literature reviews, developing and validating assessment methodologies, designing parametric workflows, performing environmental and microclimatic measurements, extracting structured datasets, developing predictive models, and collaborating on the programming of the scenario-based platform. The position offers opportunities for conference participation and networking with leading research centers in built environment sustainability, digitalization, and energy efficiency.

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in architecture or civil engineering, have excellent English skills, and demonstrate strong analytical and writing abilities. Beneficial experience includes knowledge of urban energy balance, human thermal comfort theory, bioclimatic indices, microclimate simulation tools, parametric design environments, programming (Python, C#), data analysis, ML model development, GIS-based spatial analysis, and field measurements.

The PhD is funded by the EU Horizon Europe Climate-neutral and Smart Cities Missions project (COdesign urban REalm & dynamic Spaces management for cognitive & socially connected cities, TalTech pilot MTAR4 – Microclimate). The position runs from March 2026 to February 2030. For application details, visit TalTech PhD admission and send required documents to [email protected]. You may also apply via Academic Positions.

This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in urban climate adaptation and sustainable design, within one of Estonia’s most internationalized and dynamic research environments.