2 PhD Positions in Spatial Modeling of Segregation and Future Mobility Needs

4 May 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

KU Leuven

Research Field

Geography

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Belgium

Application Deadline

27 May 2024 - 00:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

38 hours/week

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Reference Number

BAP-2024-271

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

The proposed project aims to enhance the ‘RuimteModel Vlaanderen’ with 'agency' by simulating the migration, demographic and socio-economic characteristics, and mobility behaviors of households. One PhD position will focus more on the socio-economic characteristics of the agents, while the other will focus more specifically on daily mobility. Together, the projects will enable more detailed and precise predictions of future socio-economic segregation and corresponding mobility needs and constraints in Flanders.

Project tasks include:

- Conduct data sampling campaigns in neighborhoods along a rural-urban gradient to collect high-resolution data on living standards and mobility behavior and needs.

- Assess the state-of-the-art and identify potential new, innovative data sources and methodologies that could be used to expand the RuimteModel Vlaanderen

- Develop a socio-economic typology of Flemish households by merging census data with field-collected data.

- Analyze theoretical and actual mobility of households in contrasting settings.

- Integrate 'agency' into the RuimteModel Vlaanderen.

- Apply the upgraded model to a set of policy scenarios.

- Validate results using hindcasting techniques.

- Disseminate results through scientific publications and workshops with Flemish stakeholders.

Requirements

Research Field

Geography

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Good

Languages

DUTCH

Level

Basic

Additional Information
Benefits

We offer two funded full-time PhD scholarships for four years. The primary workplace will be KU Leuven (campus Arenberg – Heverlee), with a minimum of one day a week spent at VITO (located in Mol). More information  on scholarships and benefits for KU Leuven PhD students can be found at https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/en/phd/phd-information and the VITO PhD page at https://visioneers.vito.be/en/phd-postdocs .

Eligibility criteria

- Candidates should hold a Master's degree in geography, sustainable development, spatial planning, or a related discipline, or possess equivalent qualifications that could provide a foundation for successfully completing a doctorate.- Candidates should have obtained at least a distinction (equivalent of 'cum laude' in the Belgian system) during their studies or have distinguished themselves with high-quality scientific publications or other achievements. If candidates expect to finish their master's degree by September 2024, they are also welcome to apply.- A strong interest in spatial modeling, land systems, human mobility, and sustainable development is essential.- The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in quantitative (spatial) methodology, experience with using GIS and programming languages (Python or R) for analysis, and the ability to apply these methodologies to research questions around land systems and mobility. They should also be able to effectively communicate complex issues in both written and oral form.- Candidates should be ambitious, well-organized, team-oriented, and possess excellent communication skills.- Proficiency in English, both written and verbal, is required. A working knowledge of Dutch is considered a plus.- Candidates should be able to work independently and possess a critical mindset.

Selection process

For more information or questions about these positions and potential fit, please contact Prof. Ate Poorthuis ([email protected] ) or Karolien Vermeiren ([email protected] ).

Apply for these positions no later than May 27, 2024, using the KU Leuven online tool. Please submit a cover letter (max. 1 page), a CV (max. 2 pages), and the name and contact details of one reference. In your cover letter discuss specifically which sub-project you are most interested in, how you would approach the project and how your profile fits the project needs. The selection process will take place in two phases: first, a shortlist of candidates will be created based on submitted documents; second, candidates will be ranked based on online interviews with those shortlisted. The interviews will cover the candidates' motivation, background knowledge, skills, and research vision.

The selected candidates for these positions will work with the supervisory committee to complete a PhD project proposal to be completed before 3 September 2024 and presented to the VITO PhD Jury on 25 September 2024. Only after a positive evaluation by the VITO PhD Jury will the candidate be able to start. The anticipated start date of the position is 1 November 2024.

You can apply for this job no later than 27/05/2... For more information see https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/jobs/60330431

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

KU Leuven

Country

Belgium

State/Province

Vlaams Brabant

City

Leuven

Postal Code

3000

Street

Leuven

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://easyapply.jobs/r/HkfRBpH21QxBSH1EEC4L

Contact

State/Province

Leuven

City

Vlaams Brabant

Street

Leuven

Postal Code

3000

E-Mail

[email protected]

STATUS: EXPIRED