PhD Researcher: Environmental Impacts of Spatial Demographic Change

The Institute of Environmental Sciences CML and Faculty of Science is looking for:

PhD Researcher

Excited to explore how population decline and changing demographic structures redefine urban planning, where and what we decide (not) to build, and what this means for resource demand and the environment?

Key responsibilities

The primary objective of this PhD project is to advance understanding of how spatial population distribution, demographic change (including aging population and smaller households), and urban form jointly shape future resource demand and GHG emissions. The project will evaluate core trade-offs, balancing the efficiency gains of urban density against the rise in vacant buildings and underutilized infrastructure caused by regional depopulation. Ultimately, the research will inform urban and regional development strategies to minimize net land take and GHG emissions, while catering to the needs of changing populations across the rural-urban continuum.

As a PhD researcher on this project, you will:

• Develop high-resolution activity demand models for the building energy and transport sectors under future spatially refined European demographic projections.
• Integrate demand projections with material flow and life-cycle models to quantify future energy requirements, material intensity, and GHG emissions.
• Evaluate adaptive re-use and circular strategies for vacant buildings and underutilized transport infrastructure in depopulating or aging regions.
• Design integrated spatial planning scenarios that combine built environment transformations with transport infrastructure investments to support low resource and emission development pathways across population change and urban/rural contexts

Where you will work

Leiden University is situated between Amsterdam (36 km) and The Hague (15 km) and was founded in 1575, making it the oldest university in the Netherlands. It houses around 35,000 students originating from 112 nationalities, facilitated by approximately 8,000 staff.

The Institute of Environmental Science (CML) at Leiden University offers a vibrant and supportive community of scientists committed to the challenges of sustainability. CML distinguishes itself for its attention to professional development in coordination with the interests of its scientists. As such, there are plenty of opportunities to learn new skills, expand your knowledge, collaborate across disciplines, and experiment in a friendly environment fully embodying academic freedom across all career levels.

The core focus of CML is to perform research and education in the interdisciplinary field of Environmental Sciences. CML focuses on the sustainable use of natural resources and preservation of natural capital and biodiversity. CML has a culture of mutual support and collaboration between researchers. CML has two Departments: Industrial Ecology (CML-IE) and Environmental Biology (CML-EB). Presently, about 150 fte (including postdocs and PhDs) are employed at CML. CML further collaborates with TU Delft and Erasmus University in the Leiden-Delft-Erasmus Centre for Sustainability (LDE-CfS), and with the Naturalis Biodiversity Centre.

The Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) is positioned in the Faculty of Sciences. The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expanding fundamental knowledge by curiosity and looking beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future. The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organized in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2.800 staff and almost 6000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

For more information, see www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science. Information about CML can be found at www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/environmental-sciences.

Selection Criteria

• Masters degree in Sustainability Sciences, Urban Planning, Engineering, or related discipline

• Written and oral proficiency in English, strong scientific writing, visual and verbal communication skills

• Collaborative mindset, ability to work independently in a multidisciplinary environment

• Experience with GIS analysis, working with large datasets, empirical analysis, and programming
• Keen interest in the intersection of societal demographic changes and environmental management
• Creative and curiosity-driven approach to problem solving

We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team, welcoming applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. Your unique perspectives will enrich our research and foster a collaborative and innovative environment.

What we offer

We offer an initial one-year contract, with an option to extend for up to three further years based on performance, following the pay scale P in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. Salary ranges from € 3.204 in the first year to € 4.051 gross per month in the last year based on a full-time position.

At our institution, we believe in flexibility and work-life balance! With a full-time position (38 hours per week), you are entitled to 232 vacation hours per year, which is equivalent to 30.5 vacation days (based on a 38-hour work week). If you value flexibility, you have the freedom to adjust your working hours. For example, you could choose to work 40 hours per week, earning extra compensation hours. Alternatively, if you prefer a shorter work week, you can work 36 hours per week by using some of your vacation days to create more time for yourself. You’ll work closely with your supervisor to tailor your schedule in a way that suits both your needs and the team’s.

In addition, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Holiday allowance (8%) and an end-of-year bonus (8.3%)
• An attractive pension scheme with ABP, ensuring your financial well-being both now and in the future
• Extensive options for secondary employment conditions: You can explore options such as sabbaticals, paid parental leave, and the individual choices model, which allows you to exchange leave days and/or salary for benefits like an advantageous sports subscription, bicycle scheme, and childcare options
• Hybrid working options: If your role allows, you can enjoy the flexibility of working from home within the Netherlands
• Home-working allowance: You’ll receive a home-working allowance (for both workdays and internet), and the university will provide you with a laptop and support for creating a comfortable home office
• PhD student support: As a PhD student, you’ll be part of the Graduate School of Science, which offers a variety of training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training, and personal effectivenes.

We are committed to offering a flexible, supportive, and rewarding work environment, designed to help you grow both professionally and personally. For more information about the working conditions, please visit: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions

What we value

At the Faculty of Science, we value inclusiveness and strive for a diverse community with equal opportunities for all. We give full support to our staff in achieving their potential to become independent academic researchers and teachers. For more information about our policy on diversity and equality please go to the diversity page on our website: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/dossiers/diversity

Female researchers are also welcome to join the Researchers In Science for Equality network of the Faculty of Science (rise.nu).

Want to apply or find out more?

Information

Enquiries can be made to Dr. Peter Berrill (p.berrill@cml.leidenuniv.nl)

Applications

Please submit your application via the online recruitment system, via the blue button at the top or bottom of this page. Applications received via e-mail will not be taken into consideration. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter (max 2 pages.)
• Names and contact details of at least two referees

The deadline for submissions is 11th January 2027; applications received after this date will not be considered.

The 1st round of interviews will take place on 19th – 23rd January 2027.
The 2nd round of interviews will take place on 26th January – 6th February 2027