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source

Kees de Hoogh

3 months ago

PhD in Agent-Based Modelling and Urban Health: Designing for Movement Utrecht University in Netherlands

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Computer Science

Funding

Paid PhD position at Utrecht University. The appointment is for one year initially and may be extended to four years after a positive evaluation in the first year. Full-time salary is between €3,059 and €3,881 gross per month, plus 8% holiday pay, 8.3% year-end bonus, pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible employment terms.

Deadline

Expired

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Country

Netherlands

University

Utrecht University

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Keywords

Computer Science
Data Science
Epidemiology
Environmental Science
Geography
Urban Planning
Physical Activity
Monte Carlo Simulation
Salud Pública
Ecological Modeling

About this position

Utrecht University is recruiting a PhD candidate for Agent-Based Modelling and Urban Health: Designing for Movement at the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Population Health Sciences.

The project focuses on how urban environments shape physical activity and health. The successful candidate will develop and extend agent-based models (ABM) to simulate how people move, make activity choices, and interact with their environment. The work includes modelling the effects of urban design, environmental stressors such as heat, air pollution, and pollen, and social factors such as safety, norms, and networks on active lifestyles.

The role involves integrating data from sensors, surveys, Google Street View imagery, and microdata, and using computational and AI-based approaches to evaluate interventions such as green spaces, outdoor fitness equipment, and active transport policies. Case studies will be conducted in Dutch and possibly European cities, with collaboration across IRAS, TNO, and partner institutions.

Ideal applicants have a Master’s degree in Data Science, Urban Planning, Environmental Sciences, Geography, (Computational) Epidemiology, Behavior Sciences, or a related field. Experience with programming and modelling tools such as Python, R, NetLogo, or AnyLogic is expected, along with strong quantitative skills, interest in urban health and environmental modelling, and proficiency in English.

The position is initially for one year and can be extended to four years after a positive evaluation. Funding includes a gross monthly salary of €3,059 to €3,881, plus holiday pay, year-end bonus, pension, and other employment benefits.

Application deadline: 6 July 2026. Apply through the Utrecht University vacancy page using the application button and submit a CV and motivation letter.

Funding details

Paid PhD position at Utrecht University. The appointment is for one year initially and may be extended to four years after a positive evaluation in the first year. Full-time salary is between €3,059 and €3,881 gross per month, plus 8% holiday pay, 8.3% year-end bonus, pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible employment terms.

What's required

Applicants should have a Master’s degree in Data Science, Urban Planning, Environmental Sciences, Geography, (Computational) Epidemiology, Behavior Sciences or a related field. Required experience includes programming and modelling such as Python, R, NetLogo, AnyLogic or similar tools. Candidates should have a strong interest in urban health, physical activity and environmental modelling, strong analytical and quantitative skills, the ability to work with complex spatial and behavioural data, excellent collaboration, writing and presentation skills, and proficiency in English (spoken and written).

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