PhD Candidate in Health Sciences

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:

• Prof. Roel Vermeulen – r.c.h.vermeulen@uu.nl
• Dr Kees de Hoogh – c.dehoogh@uu.nl

Application portal: via Utrecht University recruitment system

Please say that you saw this job on FacultyVacancies.com

Apply