PhD in Healthy and Sustainable Urban Regions – Urban Planning, Health, and Environmental Science University of Groningen in Netherlands

The University of Groningen is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD position in Healthy and Sustainable Urban Regions, based in the Faculty of Spatial Sciences. This research opportunity is part of the TRACE (Transformations, Communities, and Environments) programme and focuses on integrating health, sustainability, and resilience into regional urban planning. The project aims to develop evidence-based frameworks for healthy and resilient urban regions, addressing environmental challenges, population growth, and health infrastructure planning.

Key research topics include the development of a Healthy Region Framework that integrates Healthy City principles with resilience and sustainability indicators, analysis of accessibility and equity of health infrastructure, and the study of health-supportive environments through land-use patterns, green-blue infrastructure, and environmental exposures. The project also involves scenario-based planning to develop regional strategies under uneven urbanization and environmental pressures.

Expected outcomes are a conceptual framework and indicator toolkit for healthy regions, geospatial datasets and maps of vulnerabilities and opportunities, scenario prototypes, policy guidance for regional authorities, and evidence-based design strategies for sustainable and healthy regions.

Applicants should have a master’s degree in spatial planning, spatial design, (human) geography, or a related field. Experience with both quantitative and qualitative spatial planning/design methods is required, as are strong communication and teamwork skills. GIS and spatial data analysis skills are an asset, but candidates willing to develop these skills are also encouraged. Proficiency in English is required; Dutch language skills are a plus.

The position offers a gross monthly salary of €3,059 – €3,881, 232 vacation hours per year, an end-of-year bonus (8.3%), and an 8% holiday allowance. The initial contract is for one year, renewable up to four years upon satisfactory progress. The preferred start date is 1 September 2026. The successful candidate will contribute to teaching (~15%) and benefit from extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.

Applications must be submitted via the University of Groningen’s official portal by 31 March 2026. For project or application process questions, contact Özlem Altınkaya at [email protected].