PhD Position on Indoor Thermal Natural Variation for Heat Resilience
Explore how natural indoor temperature variation impacts residents’ health and energy use in Dutch dwellings through citizen science and interdisciplinary research.
Best for:Best for interdisciplinary researchers with a background in architecture, environmental sciences, or meteorology, passionate about citizen science, fieldwork, and modelling indoor climate dynamics.
Overview
This PhD position at TU Delft focuses on understanding how residents perceive and adapt to natural variations in indoor thermal conditions during extreme heat events. As part of the NWO-funded *Nature 4 Homes* project, the successful candidate will combine citizen science, field data collection, and modelling to develop healthier, more energy-efficient dwellings. The research will involve collaboration with residents, housing corporations, and industry partners to co-create solutions for climate-resilient housing. The role is based in the *Architectural Engineering + Technology* department, supervised by AnneMarie Eijkelenboom and Philomena M. Bluyssen, with additional oversight from Gert-Jan Steeneveld at Wageningen University & Research. The project bridges architecture, meteorology, and environmental sciences to address urgent urban challenges.
What you'll do
- Conduct field research in Dutch dwellings to measure indoor/outdoor thermal and ventilation conditions using citizen science approaches.
- Develop and apply modelling techniques to predict natural thermal variation in buildings under current/future climate scenarios.
- Collaborate with residents, housing corporations, and industry partners to co-design solutions for climate-resilient housing.
- Analyse resident perceptions, behaviours, and building characteristics to assess acceptance of natural thermal variation.
- Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results at academic conferences.
- Contribute to interdisciplinary research within the *Nature 4 Homes* project team and broader TU Delft community.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree in architecture, architectural engineering, meteorology, atmospheric sciences, environmental sciences, or civil engineering (or equivalent).
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; proficiency required for academic communication, supervision, and thesis writing (see TU Delft Graduate Schools Admission Requirements).
Instruction: English
- Experience with field data collection and citizen science methodologies.
- Familiarity with modelling indoor/outdoor environmental conditions (e.g., thermal, ventilation).
- Strong interest in interdisciplinary research bridging human behaviour, building design, and climate science.
- Proficiency in English for academic writing, presentations, and collaboration.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams.
- No specific nationality restrictions, but applicants must meet TU Delft’s Graduate Schools Admission Requirements (including English proficiency).
- No prior experience cap, but enthusiasm for interdisciplinary fieldwork is essential.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-11 (Europe/Amsterdam)
Apply via the TU Delft portal by uploading a CV (highlighting relevant projects/achievements), a motivation letter (≤600 words), BSc/MSc degree certificates and transcripts, and contact details for three references. Letters of reference are not required at this stage.
- CV with relevant project/achievement examples
- Motivation letter (≤600 words)
- BSc degree certificate and transcript
- MSc degree certificate and transcript
- Contact details for three references (letters not required)
Contact
Paulien Stastra· HR Advisor
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