Raf Aerts

This joint PhD position in Urban Green Exposure & Health Analytics is offered by KU Leuven in collaboration with the University of Essex. The successful candidate will be embedded in two leading research groups: the Division of Forest, Nature & Landscape and the Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity Conservation group at KU Leuven, as well as the Institute of Public Health & Wellbeing (IPHW) at the University of Essex. The research will focus on advancing the BRANCH project, which aims to develop human-centred metrics for urban green exposure and link them to health outcomes in millions of people in Belgium. The candidate will spend approximately two years at KU Leuven and two years at the University of Essex, benefiting from joint supervision by Prof. Ben Somers, Prof. Raf Aerts, and Dr. Ruoyu Wang. The project combines expertise in urban ecology, green infrastructure, remote sensing, GIS, environmental health, biodiversity, and public health. The research will involve conceptual work on green space typologies, advanced geospatial analytics, AI-based image analysis, citizen science, and large-scale health data analysis. The aim is to create a new generation of exposure metrics that reflect how people see, access, and experience urban greenery, and to assess their impact on mental and physical health across diverse population groups. The candidate will engage with planners, health professionals, stakeholders, and citizen groups, contributing to co-creation workshops, advisory boards, and communication activities. The work will help translate scientific insights into practical guidance for healthier, more equitable cities. The position offers excellent training opportunities, conference participation, and integration into dynamic, internationally recognised research environments. Applicants must have an MSc degree in a relevant field (Bioscience Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Geography, Public Health, Data Science, Remote Sensing, Geomatics or similar), strong analytical and programming skills (Python or similar), and experience in at least two areas such as geospatial analysis, GIS, remote sensing, environmental exposure assessment, or health data analysis. Good English communication skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively are essential. Additional assets include experience with computer vision or deep learning, familiarity with street-level imagery, interest in urban health or environmental epidemiology, affinity with citizen science, and motivation to translate research into policy and practice. The position is funded as a 4-year full-time joint PhD fellowship, with a formal mid-term evaluation after 12 months. The expected start date is as soon as possible, but before May 2026. KU Leuven and the University of Essex are committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. For more information, contact Prof. Ben Somers at [email protected]. To apply, submit a motivation letter, CV, contact details of two referees, and optionally examples of previous work via the KU Leuven jobsite. The application deadline is 6 March 2026.