PhD Candidate in Bridging Adaptive Planning and Human-Centred Design for Vulnerable Contexts
Explore innovative methodologies to integrate adaptive planning and human-centred design for equitable climate change adaptation in vulnerable urban neighbourhoods.
Best for:Best for recent Master’s graduates in urban planning, design, or related fields with a passion for interdisciplinary research, participatory methods, and climate adaptation in vulnerable communities.
Overview
This fully funded PhD position at NTNU’s Department of Architecture and Planning, in collaboration with the Department of Design, focuses on developing an integrated methodology that combines adaptive planning and human-centred design to address climate change adaptation in marginalised urban communities. The successful candidate will contribute to interdisciplinary research within the CREST-GLOBAL research team, engaging with stakeholders across scales and contexts. The role involves conducting qualitative and GIS-based mapping, participatory design engagement, and stakeholder analysis to bridge methodological gaps in climate resilience strategies. Applicants should demonstrate academic excellence, strong communication skills, and a passion for interdisciplinary research with societal impact.
What you'll do
- Complete doctoral education leading to a PhD degree in Architecture or related field.
- Conduct interdisciplinary research on integrating adaptive planning and human-centred design for climate adaptation in vulnerable urban neighbourhoods.
- Participate in and contribute to research networks such as CREST-GLOBAL, Adaptation thematic group, and Gemini Centre for Global Impact.
- Engage in international conferences, research stays, and collaborative projects with foreign institutions.
- Teach and supervise master’s students in Urban Planning and the Humanitarian Design Course as agreed with supervisors.
- Publish academic papers and disseminate research findings to both academic and general audiences.
- Collaborate with stakeholders, including local communities, policymakers, and design professionals, to co-develop methodologies.
Requirements
Degree required: A relevant Master’s degree in urban planning, industrial design, or equivalent field. Must correspond to a five-year Norwegian Master’s degree with 120 credits at master’s level.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90 (if applicable).
Instruction: English
- Strong academic background with a minimum average grade equivalent to B or better on NTNU’s grading scale.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
- Ability to develop a compelling research proposal with clear research questions, theoretical perspectives, and methodological design.
- Experience or willingness to engage in qualitative research, GIS-based mapping, and participatory design methods.
- Familiarity with adaptive planning and human-centred design frameworks in urban environments.
- Must meet NTNU’s requirements for admission to the Doctoral Programme in Architecture.
- Master’s degree must be obtained and documented before starting the position.
- No specific nationality or residency restrictions mentioned, but adherence to NTNU’s recruitment guidelines applies.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 16th October 2026
Applicants must submit their application electronically via Jobbnorge.no. The application must include a description of the candidate’s scientific work and all required documents in English. The attachments form the basis of the assessment, so ensure the application clearly demonstrates how the candidate’s skills and experience meet the selection criteria.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Description of scientific work
- Master’s degree certificate and transcripts
- List of publications and academic references
- Certified copies of certificates and diplomas (if invited to interview)
Contact
NTNU Recruitment Office· Recruitment Contact
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