PhD Position in Inclusive Urban Mobility and Health Geography University of Groningen in Netherlands

The University of Groningen is offering a fully funded PhD position in Inclusive Urban Mobility, situated within the Faculty of Spatial Sciences and the Population Research Centre. This opportunity is part of the NWO-funded BEAT (Building Equitable Accessibility Together) project, which aims to study and address mobility barriers experienced by people with physical and cognitive diversity. The research is highly interdisciplinary, combining urban design, health geography, interaction design, and participatory research methods.

The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team led by Professor Louise Meijering, Assistant Professor Farzaneh Bahrami, and Bettina van Hoven. The project focuses on understanding both formal and informal barriers to urban mobility, such as construction sites, unplanned obstacles, and everyday hindrances that collectively impact accessibility in cities. The research will employ qualitative and participatory methods, including in-depth interviews, travel diaries, wearable camera recordings, and participatory mapping (PPGIS), to co-create knowledge with communities, disability organizations, and urban professionals.

Applicants should have a strong background in Urban Planning, Urban Studies, Architecture, Interaction Design, Human or Cultural Geography, Environmental Psychology, Public Health, or related fields. Experience with qualitative and participatory research methods, a keen interest in accessibility and co-design, and the ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment are essential. Fluency in English and strong academic writing skills are required. Experience working with people with disabilities or marginalized communities is an advantage.

The position offers a competitive salary (€3,059–€3,881 gross per month), a four-year contract (with an initial one-year period), generous vacation time, and additional benefits such as an end-of-year bonus and holiday allowance. The University of Groningen provides a supportive, inclusive, and internationally oriented research environment with extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.

Applications must be submitted via the official University of Groningen portal by February 9, 2026. Required documents include a detailed CV, a motivation letter, and contact information for two references. For more information about the position, applicants may contact Assistant Professor Farzaneh Bahrami at [email protected].

Keywords: inclusive urban mobility, health geography, urban design, interaction design, accessibility, participatory research, mobility barriers, disability studies.