University of Twente Fully Funded PhD Position 2025: Futuring for Resilient Urban Spaces
Are you passionate about shaping sustainable cities and urban resilience? The University of Twente (UT) in the Netherlands is offering a prestigious fully funded PhD position focused on futuring for resilient urban spaces. Hosted by the Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC), this PhD opportunity is part of the Dutch Sector Plan Beta II and aims to drive innovation in urban transformation using transdisciplinary and design-based methods.
The application deadline is 11 August 2025, and UT strongly encourages applications from women and candidates of diverse backgrounds to foster inclusive excellence in research.
About the PhD Project: Reimagining Urban Futures
Modern urban environments face a multitude of pressing challenges, including climate change, rapid urbanization, and the need for inclusive and adaptive infrastructure. This PhD project will develop futuring methodologies—tools that combine spatial data, community input, and speculative design—to collaboratively explore future urban scenarios.
The core research question is: How can transdisciplinary tools foster mutual learning between geo-information experts and urban communities to co-create resilient urban spaces?
Selected candidates will work closely with communities, government partners, and researchers to shape innovative planning support systems rooted in real-world needs and aspirations.
Research Environment at University of Twente
The PhD candidate will be integrated into a vibrant interdisciplinary research ecosystem including:
- DISC – Design and Interactive Space for Co-Creation
- UT DesignLab
- ITC Centre for Disaster Resilience
- UT Climate Centre
You will also participate in visual communication, community outreach, and produce interactive design content as part of the engagement strategy. Approximately 20% of your time will be dedicated to departmental duties such as MSc supervision or teaching.
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Eligibility Criteria
Ideal candidates should have:
- A Master’s degree in human-centered design, urban studies, architecture, spatial planning, geo-information science, or a related discipline.
- Interest in combining design, spatial data, and social science methodologies.
- Proficiency in one or more of the following: GIS, spatial analysis, qualitative research, or design thinking.
- Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills for engaging with local and institutional stakeholders.
- Fluency in English (oral and written); Dutch is an advantage but not mandatory.
- Strong motivation, independence, and a commitment to high-quality interdisciplinary research.
Applicants from non-traditional backgrounds or those still developing some of these skills are still encouraged to apply, provided they demonstrate enthusiasm and potential.
How to Apply
To apply for this fully funded PhD opportunity at the University of Twente, candidates must submit the following before 11 August 2025:
- A motivation letter (max 2 pages) explaining your interest in the position and a proposed idea for research.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) with educational background, academic results, contact details of two referees, and publication list (if applicable).
- Optional: A design portfolio showcasing relevant work.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview on 21 August 2025, with a second round scheduled for 28 August 2025.
Apply via the official UT careers portal.
Position Details
- Start Date: Preferred between 1 October and 31 December 2025
- Duration: 4 years (full-time), with a review after 6–9 months
- Salary Range:
- Year 1: €2,901/month
- Year 4: €3,707/month
- Benefits Include:
- 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end bonus
- 41 vacation days (based on full-time)
- Pension scheme and professional development support
- Access to UT’s international research community and green campus facilities
About the University of Twente
Located in Enschede, the University of Twente is one of Europe’s leading research institutions, known for its High Tech Human Touch approach. The ITC Faculty is a global leader in geo-information science, specializing in sustainable development, climate resilience, and urban transformation.
UT is committed to combining technical innovation with social responsibility, making it an ideal environment for scholars dedicated to solving real-world challenges.
