All Things Urban

Since Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam was founded in 1880 VU Amsterdam has been known for its distinctive approach to knowledge. VU is an open organisation, strongly linked to people and society. What matters is not just the acquisition of a greater depth of knowledge, but also a wider one. We ask and expect our students, researchers, PhD candidates and employees to look further – to look further than their own interests and their own field, and further than what is familiar and further than the here and now.

Do you want to study urban dynamics in China’s rapidly developing Pearl river delta together with leading experts in the Netherlands, UK and China? Are you ready to help develop new computational models that simulate urban extension and densification in relation to socio-economic dynamics and changes in transport infrastructure and housing policies? Do you want to help assess the impacts of socio-economic scenarios and planning alternatives on social inequality? Please apply at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

You will become part of an international project that focuses on Sustainable Mobility and Equality in mega-city regions: patterns, mechanisms and governance (SIMETRI). The project consortium is led by Prof. Michael Batty from University College London and involves researchers from Birkbeck University of London, King’s College London, VU Spatial Economics, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, The University of Hong Kong and Sun Yat-sen University.

The project will develop a platform for prediction and urban governance using the Pearl River Delta ‘Greater Bay Area’ mega-city region as a demonstrator, bringing sustainability indicators and simulation models from the Greater London and urban Holland (the Randstad) regions to inform the development of an urban data and simulation platform relevant to designing and testing scenarios for new modes of transport and the alleviation of socio-economic inequalities in the Bay Area.

You will perform empirical research and develop a spatially explicit model of urban land use. You will document your research in scientific papers that culminate in a PhD dissertation. A modest contribution (around 10%) to the Department’s teaching programme is expected, with the opportunity to obtain a basic qualification teaching certificate (shortened BKO).

• Motivated to do high quality scientific research
• ability to combine creative and analytical thinking
• ability to collaborate in groups as well as carry out work individually
• demonstrable flexibility and strong communication skills required to collaborate with international and societal partner(s)
• experience in quantitative analysis and programming
• a keen empirical interest in analysing and understanding the changing urban environment
• affinity with the economics of urban development
• fluency in written and spoken English
• academic writing skills
• MSc/ MPhil / Research master or an equivalent program in a relevant discipline such as Geographical Information Science, Spatial economics, Economic geography, Urban studies etc.; or a regular master in one of these disciplines with excellent research skills
• excellent grades

For candidates without a research master (economics) background, a tailor-made PhD course programme of 30 at least ECTS will be followed in the candidate’s first year.

The salary will be in accordance with university regulations for academic personnel and amounts € 2.325,- gross per month during the first year and increases to € 2.972,- gross per month during the fourth year, based on a full-time employment.
The appointment will initially be for one year. After satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, the contract will be extended for a total duration of 4 years.

Additionally, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers excellent fringe benefits and various schemes and regulations to promote a good work/life balance, such as:

• a maximum of 41 days of annual leave based on full-time employment
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• considerable employer’s contribution to the ABP pension scheme
• contribution to commuting expenses
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package

€ 2.325 - € 2.972

We’re not fully sure whether this role is open to international candidates. If you would need visa sponsorship or work authorisation, we recommend checking directly with the employer before applying.