Senior researcher co-design methodologies for inclusive urban spaces

Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20 000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6 000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape.

The Interior Architecture programme in the Faculty of Design Sciences is looking for a part-time (60%) senior researcher in the field of Co-Design Methodologies for Inclusive Urban Spaces

Job description

The postdoctoral researcher will join the research group A+I at the Faculty of Design Sciences, University of Antwerp, and contribute to the European DUT-funded project DESIGN4AGES (Developing and Testing a Structured Intergenerational Co-Design Methodology for Inclusive and Climate-Adaptive Urban Spaces in European Cities). The project brings together partners from Belgium, Portugal, Spain, Denmark, and the Netherlands to develop, implement, and validate an innovative methodology for intergenerational co-design of public spaces. The University of Antwerp leads Work Package 4, which focuses on developing and integrating hybrid co-creation environments that combine face-to-face participation with virtual reality (VR) tools to support inclusive and climate-adaptive urban design.

Position

• You will conduct high-quality scientific research on participatory urban design, intergenerational co-design, and immersive digital environments for architecture and urban planning.
• You will take a leading role in the implementation of Work Package 4, focusing on the development, adaptation, and evaluation of hybrid co-creation methods integrating physical and virtual reality environments.
• You will develop and coordinate the creation and testing of digital and VR-based prototypes for participatory urban design workshops.
• You will organise and conduct co-design workshops, user studies, and validation activities involving younger and older participants in Antwerp and in collaboration with international partners.
• You will analyse qualitative and quantitative research data related to user experience, engagement, collaboration, and inclusiveness in hybrid design environments.
• You will disseminate research results through scientific publications, conference presentations, policy-oriented outputs, and stakeholder engagement activities.
• You will actively participate in international collaboration with project partners and contribute to project reporting, dissemination, and future research funding applications.
• You will contribute to the research group A+I.

Profile

• You hold a PhD in architecture, interior architecture, urban design, human-computer interaction, design studies, or a related discipline.
• You have demonstrated expertise in participatory design, co-design methodologies, or community-engaged design research.
• You have experience with digital design environments, immersive technologies, virtual reality, extended reality, digital twins, or related interactive design tools.
• You have experience in qualitative and/or mixed-methods research, including workshop facilitation, interviews, observations, and user evaluation.
• You have a good publication record in peer-reviewed international journals and conferences.
• Experience with intergenerational design, ageing, accessibility, or social sustainability is an asset.
• Experience in coordinating research activities within international projects is an asset.
• You are able to work independently while contributing effectively to an interdisciplinary and international research team.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• You have excellent communication and academic writing skills in English and can also express yourself in Dutch.

What we offer

• We offer a temporary contract as a senior researcher for a period of 1 year, with the possibility of renewal for 2 years.
• We offer the opportunity to take part in research-related activities within the scope of your work, as well as the opportunity to further develop yourself through training and education.
• The planned start date is 1 February 2027.
• Your gross monthly salary is calculated according to the pay scale for a principal research fellow in the Contract Research Staff category (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
• You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, a group insurance, an income protection insurance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• You will do most of your work at Stadscampus, Mutsaard site, in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• We offer flexible working hours.
• You will have 40 days of annual leave and collective leave for 1 week when the university is closed, between Christmas and New Year.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 30 November 2026 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
  • a motivation letter (maximum 2 pages) explaining your interest in the position and demonstrating how your expertise and experience relate to the themes of the project, particularly participatory design, architecture, urban design, and/or immersive digital environments.
  • A detailed academic curriculum vitae, including a full list of publications, participation in funded projects, and other relevant academic and professional activities.
  • Contact details of two academic referees who may be contacted during the selection procedure.
• The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision has been made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure. After a first screening of the applications, shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. Interviews are expected to take place on 11 December 2026. The successful candidate is expected to start on 1 February 2027.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to [contact details available in the full listing]. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact prof. Sara Eloy ([contact details available in the full listing]), coordinator of the DESIGN4AGES’ UAntwerpen team.

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.