PhD on Behavior-based predictive tools to support development of affordable homes for the middle class

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.

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.

Introduction

Eindhoven University of Technology is looking for a PhD candidate with a background in (Urban) Exact and Data sciences, (Industrial) Engineering, Quantitative economics, Computer sciences, or Statistics and Mathematics, interested in developing digital, behaviour- and data-based tools that serve to increase the availability of affordable homes for the middle class. 

Job Description

Urban areas worldwide are facing a deepening housing crisis, especially for middle-income households who are squeezed between ineligible social housing and unaffordable private rentals. How to improve the availability of affordable homes for the middle class has increasingly become a public concern and hot policy debate, with new policies like the Affordable Rent Act aiming to improve affordability in the Netherlands.

We are looking for a PhD-candidate to join a team of researchers and practitioners, including building engineers, behavioural economists, data scientists, psychologists and investors. This PhD research project aims to produce insights and tools that help tackle the affordable housing shortage by:

• combining cutting edge qualitative and quantitative research to investigate landlord and investor strategies and underlying motivations, modelling their investment behaviour under various scenarios;
• using big data to analyze effectiveness of housing policy shifts and their impacts on behavioral changes among middle-income tenants;
• developing digital tools to predict the availability of affordable homes for the middle income households in different scenarios;
• providing data-driven insights to support landlord decision-making and policy design and adjustment.

You will be part of the Real Estate and Urban Development research group in the Urban System and Real Estate unit of the Department of the Built Environment. Our research bridges technology, stakeholder behavior, and policy, with a particular focus on the integration of data science, real estate development and sustainable urban development and engineering. You will work alongside municipalities, real estate investors, developers, and various relevant stakeholders.

Job Requirements

We are looking for a candidate with the following background:

• A Master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in (Urban) Data sciences, Exact sciences, (Industrial) Engineering, Quantitative economics, Computer sciences, or Statistics and Mathematics, or a related field.
• A strong educational track-record including at least several of the following subjects: computational modelling, microeconomics, econometrics, operations research, data science.
• Interest in housing research and sustainable urban development. Affinity with behavioural research, policy evaluation and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong skills in quantitative research, including predictive modelling and experience with statistical software (e.g., R, Python).
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary, international research environment.
• Motivation to contribute to teaching and mentoring students (approx.. 10% of your time).
• Strong analytical skills and fluency in spoken and written English (C1 level, Dutch proficiency is an advantage but not required).

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. € 2,901 max. € 3,707).  
• 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.  
• 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. 

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager, dr. Rianne Appel-Meulenbroek via email: [email protected]

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR advice BE, [email protected].

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. You can submit your application before 15 June 2025 Dutch local time (CEST). 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.
• Your MSc thesis or any other academic report. (If the thesis is not in English, a brief description in English should be included.)
• Proof of English proficiency.
• A scan of your diploma including transcripts.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. Applications received before 15 June 2025 will be given full consideration; however, the vacancy will remain open until the position is filled. The starting date is between September 1, 2025 and November 1, 2025.