Fully Funded PhD Position in Climate-Sensitive Housing Markets at TU Delft
Researchers interested in climate economics, housing systems, computational modeling, and environmental risk analysis now have an exceptional opportunity in the Netherlands. Delft University of Technology is recruiting a fully funded PhD candidate for the European Research Council-funded SPHINX project focused on systemic climate risk in housing markets.
This four-year doctoral position is hosted within the Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management and offers candidates the chance to work on one of Europe’s most ambitious climate risk simulation programs. The project is funded through a €2 million European Research Council Consolidator Grant and explores how climate-related physical risks can spread through housing markets, financial systems, and broader socio-economic networks.
This fully funded PhD position at Delft University of Technology offers an outstanding opportunity for researchers interested in climate economics, computational modeling, and systemic environmental risk analysis. With strong ERC funding, interdisciplinary supervision, and access to one of Europe’s leading technical universities, the SPHINX project provides a powerful platform for launching a high-impact research career in climate risk and housing systems.
About the SPHINX Research Project
Climate change is increasingly generating physical risks across the world through:
- Floods
- Wildfires
- Heatwaves
- Storms
- Droughts
- Sea-level rise
While traditional climate risk assessments often rely on historical data and linear projections, researchers now argue that these methods underestimate the real economic impacts of climate change. The SPHINX project aims to address this challenge by studying systemic climate risk through:
- Agent-based modeling
- Contagion dynamics
- Behavioral adaptation
- Economic feedback loops
- Non-linear tipping points
- Financial and housing market interactions
The project focuses primarily on Europe and combines advanced computational methods with real-world spatial and behavioral data.
PhD Research Focus
The selected PhD researcher will investigate how climate risks influence interactions between households, banks, and housing markets. The core objective is to model how climate-sensitive housing markets may evolve under increasing environmental risks and when properties may become stranded assets.
Research Areas Include
- Climate-sensitive housing market dynamics
- Agent-based economic modeling
- Financial contagion mechanisms
- Climate gentrification
- Housing affordability under climate stress
- Behavioral adaptation to climate risks
- Banking and insurance responses
- Spatial risk propagation
The candidate will build advanced computational housing market models inspired by systems such as:
- RHEA
- Bank of England modeling frameworks
The project will integrate:
- Household survey data
- Spatial climate risk datasets
- Behavioral economic mechanisms
- Regional and urban-scale simulations
Who Should Apply?
Ideal applicants should have an academic background in computational, spatial, or environmental sciences.
Preferred Academic Backgrounds
Applicants with an MSc degree in the following areas are encouraged to apply:
- Computational Science
- Geography
- Spatial Economics
- Environmental Studies
- Engineering & Policy Analysis
Required Technical Skills
Candidates should demonstrate:
- Programming experience in Python, Julia, or similar languages
- Statistical data analysis skills
- Familiarity with simulation methods
Preferred Additional Experience
Strong advantages include experience in:
- Agent-based modeling
- Spatial modeling
- GIS and spatial datasets
- Climate change research
- Coupled social-environmental systems
Excellent English communication skills are required, while Dutch language proficiency is not mandatory.
Why Study at TU Delft?
Delft University of Technology is one of Europe’s leading technical universities and is internationally recognized for research in:
- Climate adaptation
- Water management
- Engineering
- Sustainability
- Computational modeling
- Policy innovation
The university combines engineering, technology, and social sciences to address global challenges through interdisciplinary research.
Benefits of This PhD Position
Fully Funded Employment
Candidates receive a full salary and employee benefits during the doctoral program.
Competitive Salary
The salary increases annually from:
- €3059 to €3881 gross per month
Additional benefits include:
- 8% holiday allowance
- 8.3% end-of-year bonus
Strong Research Support
PhD candidates join the TU Delft Graduate School with access to:
- Research supervision
- Academic mentoring
- Professional development programs
- Transferable skills training
International Environment
TU Delft promotes diversity and offers strong relocation support for international researchers moving to the Netherlands.
Employment Conditions
Contract Structure
The PhD appointment includes:
- Initial 1.5-year contract
- Go/no-go evaluation after 15 months
- Additional 2.5-year contract upon satisfactory progress
Working Hours
- 32–40 hours per week
- 0.8–1.0 FTE
Relocation Support
International researchers receive support through the university’s “Coming to Delft Service,” including:
- Relocation guidance
- Networking events
- Social integration support
- Dual career assistance for partners
Application Process
Interview Timeline
First interviews are expected to begin from 26 June 2026 onward.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Motivation letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Publication list or software outputs (if applicable)
- Contact information for at least two references
- Applications must be submitted online. Email applications will not be considered.
- Application Deadline: 22 June 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this PhD position fully funded?
Yes. The position is fully funded through the European Research Council-funded SPHINX project.
What is the monthly salary?
The salary ranges from €3059 to €3881 gross per month depending on the year of the PhD appointment.
Which programming languages are preferred?
Experience with Python, Julia, or similar computational programming languages is preferred.
Is prior agent-based modeling experience required?
It is not mandatory but is considered highly beneficial for this project.
Can international students apply?
Yes. International candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Is Dutch language proficiency required?
No. English proficiency is sufficient for admission and research activities.
What research topics are covered in this PhD?
The research focuses on climate-sensitive housing markets, systemic climate risk, financial contagion, and computational economic modeling.
Does TU Delft provide relocation support?
Yes. TU Delft offers relocation and integration support for international researchers and their families.
What type of degree is required?
Applicants should hold an MSc degree in a computational, spatial, environmental, or policy-related discipline.
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