PhD in Behavioral and Experiential Modeling of Inclusive Neighborhood Environments

Introduction
Are you interested in understanding how neighborhood environments shape the everyday lives of older adults? This project combines behavioral, spatial, and urban data to develop and evaluate innovative socio-spatial and AI-enabled interventions in two living labs in the Netherlands.

Job Description
Neighborhood environments may contain physical, cognitive, social, and psychological barriers that affect how older adults move through, experience, and use everyday environments. However, many of these barriers remain insufficiently understood.

This PhD position is part of the ELLI project (Empathic Living Labs for Inclusive Neighborhoods), a national interdisciplinary initiative investigating how neighborhood environments shape the everyday experiences, behavior, mobility, and accessibility of older adults with physical or cognitive vulnerabilities. The project focuses on understanding how older adults experience, interpret, and navigate neighborhood environments, and how these experiences relate to everyday mobility, environmental interaction, and accessibility.

The candidate will investigate behavioral patterns, environmental perception, and everyday mobility in neighborhood settings. The goal is to develop behavioral and spatial models that reveal implicit accessibility barriers and inform neighborhood-level intervention strategies.

The research will combine qualitative, quantitative, and spatial methods, including behavioral observation, environmental perception studies, interviews, wearable and sensor-based data collection, spatial behavior modelling, GIS and spatial analytics, and participatory approaches.

The insights generated in this project will provide a scientific foundation for the analysis and development of neighborhood interventions within the ELLI project.

The candidate will work closely with another PhD student in this project.

Job Responsibilities
The PhD candidate will:

• Investigate how older adults experience, interpret, and navigate neighborhood environments.
• Analyze behavioral patterns, mobility trajectories, and environmental interactions in daily life.
• Study how physical, social, and perceptual environmental conditions shape everyday mobility, accessibility, and neighborhood use.
• Develop behavioral and spatial models that identify accessibility barriers and support neighborhood-level intervention strategies.
• Work with behavioral, spatial, environmental, and sensor-based data collected in the living lab neighborhoods.
• Collaborate with researchers, municipalities, and care organizations involved in the project.
• Publish results in high-quality scientific journals and conferences.

Contribute to the interdisciplinary research community of the ELLI project.

Job Requirements
We are looking for a candidate with:

• A Master’s degree in Architecture/Urban Design, Urban Studies, Human Geography, Behavioral Science, Environmental Psychology, Data Science, or a related field.
• Interest in research on urban environments, accessibility, and ageing societies.
• Experience with spatial analysis, behavioral research methods, or data analysis.
• Programming skills (e.g., Python, R, or similar) are an advantage.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to work in interdisciplinary teams.
• Fluency in spoken and written English (C1 level).

Fluency in Dutch is an advantage.

Conditions of Employment
A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us
We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

Sustainability, in its broadest definition, is the cornerstone of research and education in the Department of Built Environment. We take the lead in (re)shaping the built environment to be future-proof, safe, healthy, inclusive and respectful of planetary boundaries. We house the entire spectrum of technology, engineering, design, and human behavior disciplines in the built environment, with world-class experimental facilities at all scales. This allows us to address societal challenges from a uniquely integrated perspective.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager, Prof.dr.ir. Masi Mohammadi, m.mohammadi@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact HRServices.be@tue.nl.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application
We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

PhD in AI-Enabled Digital Twins and Inclusive Neighborhood Design

Introduction
Are you excited about using artificial intelligence, digital twins, and computational design to create inclusive neighborhood environments? This project develops and evaluates AI-enabled and socio-spatial interventions to support ageing populations in two living lab neighborhoods in the Netherlands.

Job Description
Designing inclusive neighborhood environments requires tools that translate insights about residents’ needs into concrete spatial and technological interventions.

This PhD position is part of the ELLI project (Empathic Living Labs for Inclusive Neighborhoods), an interdisciplinary initiative exploring how technology and urban design can create neighborhoods that support autonomy, accessibility, and participation for older adults. The project focuses on the development of AI-enabled design tools and digital twin models that support the creation of inclusive neighborhood interventions.

The candidate will develop computational methods that integrate spatial data, environmental sensing, and behavioral insights into digital representations of neighborhoods. These digital twins will support the design and testing of interventions addressing physical, cognitive, social, and psychological accessibility.

The research will involve computational modelling, AI-enabled analysis, and participatory design processes with residents and stakeholders in the living lab neighborhoods.

The goal is to develop design methods and digital tools that support municipalities, designers, and planners in creating inclusive neighborhood environments.

The candidate will work closely with another PhD student in this project.

Job Responsibilities
The PhD candidate will:

• Develop digital twin models of the living lab neighborhoods.
• Design computational tools that support inclusive neighborhood design.
• Develop AI-enabled methods to analyze and simulate accessibility conditions.
• Prototype socio-spatial interventions addressing mobility, navigation, and social participation.
• Support participatory design processes with residents and stakeholders.
• Evaluate and refine interventions through iterative design cycles.
• Publish results in leading scientific journals and conferences.

Contribute to interdisciplinary collaboration within the ELLI consortium.

Job Requirements
We are looking for a candidate with:

• A Master’s degree in Architecture, Urban Design, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with computational modelling, simulation, or digital design tools.
• Programming skills (e.g., Python, C#, or web technologies).
• Interest in AI, digital twins, and urban design innovation.
• Ability to work in interdisciplinary research teams.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Fluency in spoken and written English (C1 level).

Fluency in Dutch is an advantage.

Conditions of Employment
A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us
We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

Sustainability, in its broadest definition, is the cornerstone of research and education in the Department of Built Environment. We take the lead in (re)shaping the built environment to be future-proof, safe, healthy, inclusive and respectful of planetary boundaries. We house the entire spectrum of technology, engineering, design, and human behavior disciplines in the built environment, with world-class experimental facilities at all scales. This allows us to address societal challenges from a uniquely integrated perspective.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager, Prof.dr.ir. Masi Mohammadi, m.mohammadi@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact HRServices.be@tue.nl.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application
We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

PhD in Behavioral and Experiential Modeling of Inclusive Neighborhood Environments

Neighborhood environments may contain physical, cognitive, social, and psychological barriers that affect how older adults move through, experience, and use everyday environments. However, many of these barriers remain insufficiently understood.

This PhD position is part of the ELLI project (Empathic Living Labs for Inclusive Neighborhoods), a national interdisciplinary initiative investigating how neighborhood environments shape the everyday experiences, behavior, mobility, and accessibility of older adults with physical or cognitive vulnerabilities. The project focuses on understanding how older adults experience, interpret, and navigate neighborhood environments, and how these experiences relate to everyday mobility, environmental interaction, and accessibility.

The candidate will investigate behavioral patterns, environmental perception, and everyday mobility in neighborhood settings. The goal is to develop behavioral and spatial models that reveal implicit accessibility barriers and inform neighborhood-level intervention strategies.

The research will combine qualitative, quantitative, and spatial methods, including behavioral observation, environmental perception studies, interviews, wearable and sensor-based data collection, spatial behavior modelling, GIS and spatial analytics, and participatory approaches.

The insights generated in this project will provide a scientific foundation for the analysis and development of neighborhood interventions within the ELLI project.

The candidate will work closely with another PhD student in this project.

Job Responsibilities
The PhD candidate will:

• Investigate how older adults experience, interpret, and navigate neighborhood environments.
• Analyze behavioral patterns, mobility trajectories, and environmental interactions in daily life.
• Study how physical, social, and perceptual environmental conditions shape everyday mobility, accessibility, and neighborhood use.
• Develop behavioral and spatial models that identify accessibility barriers and support neighborhood-level intervention strategies.
• Work with behavioral, spatial, environmental, and sensor-based data collected in the living lab neighborhoods.
• Collaborate with researchers, municipalities, and care organizations involved in the project.
• Publish results in high-quality scientific journals and conferences.

Contribute to the interdisciplinary research community of the ELLI project.

PhD in AI-Enabled Digital Twins and Inclusive Neighborhood Design

Designing inclusive neighborhood environments requires tools that translate insights about residents’ needs into concrete spatial and technological interventions.

This PhD position is part of the ELLI project (Empathic Living Labs for Inclusive Neighborhoods), an interdisciplinary initiative exploring how technology and urban design can create neighborhoods that support autonomy, accessibility, and participation for older adults. The project focuses on the development of AI-enabled design tools and digital twin models that support the creation of inclusive neighborhood interventions.

The candidate will develop computational methods that integrate spatial data, environmental sensing, and behavioral insights into digital representations of neighborhoods. These digital twins will support the design and testing of interventions addressing physical, cognitive, social, and psychological accessibility.

The research will involve computational modelling, AI-enabled analysis, and participatory design processes with residents and stakeholders in the living lab neighborhoods.

The goal is to develop design methods and digital tools that support municipalities, designers, and planners in creating inclusive neighborhood environments.

The candidate will work closely with another PhD student in this project.

Job Responsibilities
The PhD candidate will:

• Develop digital twin models of the living lab neighborhoods.
• Design computational tools that support inclusive neighborhood design.
• Develop AI-enabled methods to analyze and simulate accessibility conditions.
• Prototype socio-spatial interventions addressing mobility, navigation, and social participation.
• Support participatory design processes with residents and stakeholders.
• Evaluate and refine interventions through iterative design cycles.
• Publish results in leading scientific journals and conferences.

Contribute to interdisciplinary collaboration within the ELLI consortium.

Advisor Research Funding

Functieomschrijving
An English job profile is available upon request,

Het Project Development Office (PDO) is het centrale knooppunt van de faculteit Wiskunde en Informatica met betrekking tot alle activiteiten gericht op het verwerven van onderzoeksgelden en de ontwikkeling van voorstellen/projecten. We ondersteunen onze onderzoekers bij het vinden van interessante financieringsmogelijkheden, het ontwikkelen van hun onderzoeksideeën en het ontwikkelen van concurrerende projectvoorstellen. Gedurende de levenscyclus van het project werken we nauw samen met onze collega's van Finance, Legal, HR, Knowledge Security, Data Management en Ethics, evenals projectontwikkelaars, programmamanagers en onderzoekers van andere afdelingen als onderdeel van het TU/e brede Research Support Network.

Als Advisor Research Funding ben jij de expert in de acquisitie van onderzoeksfinanciering en het ontwikkelen van nieuwe projecten. Je kent de wet- en regelgeving die wordt opgelegd door de verschillende financiers (bijvoorbeeld NWO en de Europese Commissie), je beschikt over een netwerk opgebouwd uit relevante academische en zakelijke contacten en je weet waar de onderzoekers van de faculteit naar op zoek zijn. Jouw expertise stelt je in staat om interessante kansen te matchen met vernieuwende ideeën. Samen met de onderzoekers verken je nieuwe onderzoeksideeën en ondersteun je ze bij het helder verwoorden van problemen, aanpak, oplossingen en impact in projectvoorstellen of business-to-business samenwerkingen. Je ontzorgt de onderzoeker met betrekking tot de administratieve en compliance aspecten van projectontwikkeling en project-opstart en houdt contact gedurende de uitvoering ervan om eventueel nieuwe kansen te identificeren.

Wat verwachten we van jou als advisor research funding?

• Je hebt een goed inzicht in de huidige en toekomstige ontwikkelingen in zowel het Nationale als het Europese financieringslandschap en weet kansen af te stemmen op de expertise en onderzoeksinteresses van onderzoekers in de afdeling;
• Je ondersteunt onderzoekers proactief bij de acquisitie van onderzoeksprojecten. Je bouwt en onderhoudt je netwerk van interne en externe stakeholders, je ondersteunt het ontwikkelen van en deelnemen aan projectinitiatieven, je helpt bij het bouwen van consortia, je ondersteunt het schrijven van voorstellen en bent in staat om een overtuigend schrijfstijl toe te passen om de kansen op voorstellen te maximaliseren. Tevens monitor je de algehele kwaliteit van de projectvoorstellen;
• Je ondersteunt de administratieve en compliance kant van projectontwikkeling, waaronder het navigeren van de subsidieregels, het opstellen van budgetten (samen met de afdeling Finance), het afhandelen van de indieningsprocessen en het ondersteunen van contractonderhandelingen (samen met het juridische team van de TU/e) wanneer subsidies worden toegekend;
• Je draagt bij aan een centrale administratie van projectaanvragen, managementinformatie, projectdossiers en bent een facultair aanspreekpunt voor subsidie gerelateerde vragen.

Functie-eisen

• Je hebt ruime en aantoonbare expertise en ruime ervaring op het gebied van ondersteuning bij het verwerven van onderzoeksgelden en het ontwikkelen van nieuwe projecten en kent de wet- en regelgeving die wordt opgelegd door de verschillende subsidieverstrekkers;
• Je hebt ervaring in het helpen opzetten van kwalitatieve onderzoeks- en innovatieprojecten en bent sterk in het structureren en onderbouwen van onderzoeksideeën in hoogwaardige projectvoorstellen en samenwerkingen;
• Je bent een verbindende teamspeler zowel in de samenwerking met onderzoekers, ondersteunend personeel als andere vakgroepen, universiteiten en bedrijven;
• Je beschikt over uitstekende communicatieve vaardigheden (schriftelijk en mondeling) in het Engels en bij voorkeur ook in het Nederlands;
• Je beschikt over een relevant netwerk binnen de wereld van subsidies/onderzoeksgelden;
• Je bent doelgericht, proactief, georganiseerd, hands-on, betrouwbaar en een erkend sparringpartner. Je bent in staat veel ballen in de lucht te houden en kunt werken onder deadlinedruk;
• Je weet hoe wetenschap werkt (minstens MSc. in bij voorkeur een technische discipline), begrijpt wat onderzoekers drijft en je spreekt hun taal. Bij voorkeur heb je affiniteit met Artificiële Intelligence en High Tech industrie.

Twijfel je of je voldoende aan de eisen voldoet, maar word je wel enthousiast van deze baan? Dan nodigen we je toch uit om te reageren – we kijken graag naar je profiel.

Arbeidsvoorwaarden
Een boeiende positie binnen een internationale en tegelijkertijd persoonlijke universiteit. Je zit midden tussen de studenten, op een groene campus op loopafstand van het centraal station. Daarnaast bieden we jou:

• Je krijgt fulltime dienstverband met een jaarcontract, en na een wederzijdse positieve evaluatie van het eerste jaar kan een vast contract worden aangeboden.
• Een maandsalaris van minimaal € 4.728,- tot maximaal € 7.297,- bij een fulltime dienstverband, afhankelijk van jouw kennis en ervaring (schaal 11/12 cao Nederlandse Universiteiten).
• Naast vakantiegeld, een structurele eindejaarsuitkering van 8,3%.
• Een gunstige regeling voor extra verlofdagen of een sabbatical.
• Een keuzemodel voor extra secundaire arbeidsvoorwaarden.
• Werktijden in overleg voor een optimale werk-privé balans.
• Ruimte voor jouw talent met doorgroeikansen en uitstekende ontwikkelmogelijkheden, zoals mentoring, workshops en coaching.
• Deels betaald ouderschapsverlof en een vergoeding voor reiskosten woon-werkverkeer, thuiswerken en internet.
• Een ruime werkgeversbijdrage aan de gunstige ABP-pensioenregeling.
• Toegang tot het moderne sportcentrum op de TU/e‑campus tegen een uitzonderlijk voordelig tarief.

Wat wij jou ook bieden

• Een klein enthousiast team in een academische werkomgeving in de innovatieve Brainport regio van Nederland;
• De mogelijkheid om bij te dragen aan het bevorderen van de stand van de techniek in wat mogelijk is in wetenschap en technologie;
• Direct contact met onderzoekers;
• Veel ruimte voor persoonlijke ontwikkeling en groei.

Hier ontdek je nog meer informatie over onze arbeidsvoorwaarden. Bouw verder aan je carrière bij de TU/e!

Over ons
Wij zijn een toonaangevende internationale universiteit waar wetenschappelijke nieuwsgierigheid samenkomt met een pragmatische, hands‑on mentaliteit. We werken op een open en samenwerkingsgerichte manier met hightechindustrieën om complexe maatschappelijke uitdagingen aan te pakken. Onze verantwoordelijke en respectvolle benadering zorgt voor impact — vandaag én in de toekomst. TU/e is de thuisbasis van meer dan 13.000 studenten en ruim 7.000 medewerkers, samen een diverse en bruisende academische gemeenschap.

Onze universiteit bevindt zich in Brainport Eindhoven — een wereldwijd toonaangevende technologieregio met meer dan 7.000 hightechbedrijven en sterke R&D‑activiteiten. Brainport staat bekend om doorbraken op het gebied van AI, fotonica, halfgeleiders en geavanceerde maakindustrie. Het is een regio waar technologie in dienst staat van mensen en de samenleving. Meer informatie over de Brainport‑regio vind je hier.

Als een van de grootste en meest dynamische academische communities van Nederland brengt de afdeling Mathematics and Computer Science (M&CS) meer dan 140 wetenschappelijke medewerkers, meer dan 250 promovendi en EngD‑kandidaten en bijna 3000 studenten samen. We werken nauw samen met toonaangevende industriële partners in de Brainport Eindhoven‑regio en met universiteiten over de hele wereld—wat een uniek vruchtbare omgeving creëert voor zowel fundamentele doorbraken als toegepaste innovaties.

Informatie
Herken jij jezelf in dit profiel en wil je meer informatie over de functie? Neem dan contact op met Euflex, Search & Select, Ceciel Gijsbers, cgijsbers@tue.nl, 06-51164692 of Linde Keverkamp. l.c.keverkamp.hoek@tue.nl, 040-2476303.

Sollicitatie
Ben je geïnteresseerd? Graag ontvangen we via deze link je CV en brief met motivatie en omschrijving van je kwalificaties. Zorg ervoor dat je alle gevraagde documenten toevoegt. Wij geven voorrang aan complete sollicitaties.

De screening van kandidaten begint zodra de sollicitaties zijn ontvangen en gaat door totdat de vacature is ingevuld. Indien van toepassing, krijgen interne kandidaten bij gelijke geschiktheid voorrang op externe kandidaten.

We kijken uit naar je sollicitatie!

Let op

• Je kunt online solliciteren. Sollicitaties die per e-mail en/of post worden verstuurd, worden niet in behandeling genomen.
• Een voorafgaande screening (bijvoorbeeld een Verklaring omtrent Gedrag of kennisveiligheidscheck) kan onderdeel zijn van de selectieprocedure. Voor meer informatie over de kennisveiligheidscheck, raadpleeg de Nationale Richtlijnen Kennisveiligheid.
• Wij verzoeken je geen contact met ons op te nemen voor ongevraagde diensten.