PhD Candidate in Health Sciences

Utrecht University

Netherlands

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.