PhD Candidate in Health Sciences

Utrecht University

Institution: Utrecht University – Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS)
Faculty: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Department: Department of Population Health Sciences
Hours per week: 36
Application deadline: 31 December 2025

Project Description

  • Focus: Understanding how urban environments influence physical activity and population health using agent-based models (ABM).

  • Collaboration with the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO).

  • Key tasks include:

    • Extending an existing spatial transport ABM with a physical activity module.

    • Incorporating environmental (e.g., heat, air pollution, pollen) and social factors (e.g., safety, norms, networks).

    • Developing and testing physical activity and destination choice models using diverse data sources (sensors, surveys, Google Street View, CBS Lifestyle Monitor, ODIN).

    • Simulating urban interventions (green spaces, active transport policies, outdoor fitness) and evaluating impacts on health and equity.

    • Conducting case studies in Dutch and possibly European cities.

    • Collaborating with interdisciplinary experts in urban planning, data science, and public health.

Candidate Profile / Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in Data Science, Urban Planning, Environmental Sciences, Geography, Computational Epidemiology, Behavior Sciences, or related fields.

  • Experience with programming and modelling (Python, R, NetLogo, AnyLogic, or similar).

  • Strong interest in urban health, physical activity, and environmental modelling.

  • Analytical and quantitative skills for complex spatial and behavioural data.

  • Excellent collaboration, writing, and presentation skills.

  • Proficiency in English (spoken and written).

Employment Terms

  • Initial appointment: 1 year, extendable to 4 years after a positive evaluation.

  • Working week: 36 hours

  • Salary: €3,059–€3,881 gross per month (scale P, CAO NU)

  • Benefits: 8% holiday pay, 8.3% year-end bonus, pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, flexible employment terms.

  • Professional development opportunities and flexible employment arrangements via Utrecht University’s Terms of Employment Options Model.

Application Instructions

Submit:

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)

  • Letter of Motivation

Application deadline: 31 December 2025
Contact for scientific questions:

Application portal: via Utrecht University recruitment system

Apply