This fully funded 4-year PhD position at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is part of the ERC Consolidator project 'Systemic physical climate risk in complex adaptive economies' (SPHINX). The research focuses on understanding how households and businesses perceive and respond to climate risks, and how these perceptions influence economic decisions such as investments and adaptation strategies. The project aims to uncover how behavioral biases and expectations can lead to systemic risks in society and the economy, and to identify policy levers for climate-resilient policies.

The successful candidate will join the ERC SPHINX team, working on developing and administering theory-grounded surveys across three countries, and conducting statistical analysis of unique microdata from households and firms. The research will build on the latest progress in surveys of risk perceptions, adaptation decisions, and expectations, using a range of theories from social sciences. The project is embedded in a highly collaborative and international environment, with opportunities for interdisciplinary research and professional development.

Applicants should have a strong background in Environmental Studies, Geography, Economics, Psychology, or related quantitative social sciences, with skills in statistics, data analysis, and statistical programming (preferably R or Python). Experience in survey design, choice experiments, or data collection is beneficial, as is domain knowledge in climate change, adaptation, or risk assessment. Fluency in English and strong problem-solving skills are required.

The position is fully funded for 4 years, with a monthly salary between €3059 and €3881, a travel budget for conferences and summer schools, and a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and social security. TU Delft offers relocation support and a dual career program for accompanying partners. The working language is English, and the environment is highly international.

To apply, submit your application online before January 18, 2026, including a CV, motivational letter, list of publications or software outputs (if applicable), and contact details of referees. For more information, contact Prof. Tatiana Filatova at [email protected].