Postdoctoral Researcher (HARARA Project): Urban Heat Experiences and Inclusive Climate Adaptation

Why does heat affect people differently? Join the Horizon Europe HARARA project to explore the lived realities of urban heat and shape inclusive climate adaptation solutions.

Job description

This postdoctoral position is part of the HARARA project, a Horizon Europe Mission initiative funded by the European Commission. HARARA examines both the objective and subjective experiences of heat among migrantised communities in Antwerp and Rotterdam. The project brings together researchers from Erasmus University Rotterdam, the University of Antwerp, and Delft University of Technology, alongside civil society partners Empact vzw and Cultuurwerkplaats Tarwewijk, to develop a holistic understanding of the impacts of urban heat. By exploring how people experience, interpret, and respond to heat-related challenges, the consortium aims to contribute to the development of inclusive and effective climate adaptation solutions.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will be primarily responsible for conducting a comparative analysis of heat impacts in Antwerp and Rotterdam. You will analyse and correlate objective measurements of indoor temperature and humidity with survey data on residents’ perceptions and experiences of heat, collected from 75 households in each city. In addition, you will map and assess existing inclusive local climate adaptation practices in both cities and contribute to the development and refinement of policy frameworks and community-based adaptation strategies in collaboration with the project’s civil society partners.

You will be based within the section of Environmental Technology and Design (ETD). ETD contributes to inter- and transdisciplinary, context-driven and problem/solution-focused research and education for the sake of a better environment. It involves a collaborative design and engineering approach, with social-and environmental-based methods and techniques as operative instruments, as well as the development and application of advanced urban data science and geospatial information technologies to support this primary aim. Research and education blend environmental technology, urban ecology, citizen participation and environmental behaviour at different scales. There is a strong emphasis on the interaction of these fields in terms of theories, methods and techniques, as well as their application via concepts, strategies and spatial interventions, as a significant part of ETD's research portfolio concerns applied science for and often with public and private partners.

Job requirements

We are looking for a highly motivated researcher with:

• A PhD in a relevant discipline, such as urbanism, environmental sciences, public health, sociology, or a related field.
• Experience with quantitative data analysis, including the analysis of survey data and environmental measurements, and proficiency in statistical software such as R, Python, SPSS, or Stata.
• Affinity with issues of climate justice, social inclusion, migration, and/or community-based research.
• Experience conducting comparative or mixed-methods research is an asset.
• An interest in translating research findings into practical and policy-relevant recommendations.
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English. Knowledge of Dutch is an advantage, given the collaboration with local partners and field sites in Antwerp and Rotterdam.
• The ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within an international and multidisciplinary consortium.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.

These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional.

Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

Faculty Architecture & the Built Environment
The Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment has a leading role in education and research worldwide. The driving force behind the faculty’s success is its robust research profile combined with the energy and creativity of its student body and academic community. It is buzzing with energy, with four thousand people enthusiastically studying, working, designing, conducting research and acquiring and disseminating knowledge. Our faculty has a strong focus on 'design-oriented research’, which has given it a top position in world rankings.

Staff and students are working to improve the built environment with the help of a broad set of disciplines, including architectural design, urban planning, building technology, social sciences, process management, and geo-information science. The faculty works closely with other faculties, universities, private parties, and the public sector, and has an extensive network in the Netherlands as well as internationally.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 16 months. Temporary.
• A job of 28,8-32 hours per week.
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• Flexible working week.
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands. .

Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Dr.ir. M.M.E. (Marjolein) van Esch, via e-mail: m.m.e.vanesch@tudelft.nl.

For more information about the application procedure, please contact Paulien Stastra, HR advisor,
via recruitment-BK@tudelft.nl.

#EUfunded This is an EU funded project, named HARARA, with project number 101216412, within program H2020 / Horizon Europe.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 4 October 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV including details of all academic outputs.
• Coverletter outlining your qualifications and motivation (max.1 side, A4 format, font size no smaller than 9 points).
• Executive summary of your PhD dissertation.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
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