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Delft University of Technology

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Postdoctoral Researcher in Urban Studies, Governance, and Socio-Spatial Challenges Delft University of Technology in Netherlands

Degree Level

Postdoc

Field of study

Sociology

Funding

Postdoctoral position for 2.5 years, 36–40 hours per week, with temporary external finance. Salary and benefits follow the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The post includes pension via ABP, flexible working, leave hours, training opportunities, and partially paid parental leave.

Deadline

Oct 6, 2026

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Country

Netherlands

University

Delft University of Technology

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Keywords

Sociology
Political Science
Geography
Urban Planning
Public Administration
Architecture
Governance
Urban Geography
Urban Sociology
Transdisciplinarity

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About this position

Postdoctoral Researcher position at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the Urban Studies section of the Department of Urbanism, Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment.

The project focuses on Regio Deal New Towns and asks how municipalities can address complex socio-spatial, social, governance, and urban planning challenges in an integrated way. The research is carried out with municipalities such as Capelle aan den IJssel, Nissewaard, and Zoetermeer, and in collaboration with Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Hague University of Applied Sciences, and the Resilient Delta initiative.

This is a transdisciplinary postdoc combining academic research with practice-based work. The successful candidate will spend one or two days per week at a municipality and the rest at TU Delft, developing and conducting research, facilitating workshops and reflection sessions, translating findings into practical tools, and publishing in academic journals and practitioner outlets.

Requirements: a PhD in a relevant field (for example urban geography, urban planning, innovation studies, social design research, public administration, sustainability transitions, or urban sociology); experience with qualitative and/or design research methods; strong communication skills; and fluency in Dutch and English. Experience working with civil servants, residents, or public/private actors is an advantage.

Funding and conditions: 2.5-year postdoctoral contract, 36–40 hours per week, temporary external finance, salary and benefits under the Dutch universities collective agreement, plus pension, training, flexible work, and partially paid parental leave.

Deadline: 6 October 2026. Apply online via AcademicTransfer and upload a CV, a short cover letter, and a practice-oriented writing sample.

Funding details

Postdoctoral position for 2.5 years, 36–40 hours per week, with temporary external finance. Salary and benefits follow the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The post includes pension via ABP, flexible working, leave hours, training opportunities, and partially paid parental leave.

What's required

Applicants must have a PhD degree in a relevant field such as urban geography, urban planning, innovation studies, (social) design research, public administration, sustainability transitions, urban sociology, or another related spatially aware discipline. Strong interest in socio-physical challenges, societal transitions, collective action, public-sector collaboration, and community-driven innovation is required. Candidates should have proven qualitative research skills (interviews, case studies, participatory methods) and/or design research skills (co-design, visualisation, prototyping), strong written and verbal communication skills, and strong proficiency in both Dutch and English. Experience working with civil servants, residents, or other public/private actors in transdisciplinary settings is an asset.

How to apply

Apply online via the application button on AcademicTransfer by 6 October 2026. Upload a CV with academic outputs, a short cover letter, and a practice-oriented writing sample. Email applications are not accepted.

More information can be found here

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