Fully Funded PhD Position at Leiden University, Netherlands: Environmental Impacts of Spatial Demographic Change (2027)
This PhD project combines geospatial analysis, sustainability science, urban planning, material flow analysis, and life-cycle assessment to investigate how demographic trends—including population ageing, smaller households, and regional depopulation—shape future environmental impacts.
The successful candidate will develop spatially detailed scenarios, analyse resource and energy requirements, and evaluate strategies such as adaptive reuse of vacant buildings and more efficient transport infrastructure. Applicants with a relevant master’s degree and experience in GIS, quantitative data analysis, and programming are encouraged to apply.
The application deadline is 11 January 2027.
PhD Position Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | PhD Researcher: Environmental Impacts of Spatial Demographic Change |
| University | Leiden University |
| Institute | Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
| Location | Leiden, Netherlands |
| Vacancy number | 16964 |
| Employment type | Full-time PhD position |
| Working hours | 38 hours per week |
| Contract | Initial 1 year, with the possibility of extension for up to 3 additional years |
| Monthly salary | €3,204 in the first year, rising to €4,051 in the final year |
| Holiday allowance | 8% |
| Year-end bonus | 8.3% |
| Annual leave | 232 hours, equivalent to approximately 30.5 days |
| Application deadline | 11 January 2027 |
| First-round interviews | 19–23 January 2027 |
| Second-round interviews | 26 January–6 February 2027 |
| Official application | Apply through Leiden University |
About the Research Project
Population distribution and demographic change are reshaping communities across Europe. Population ageing, smaller household sizes, and regional depopulation can change demand for housing, transport, energy, materials, and infrastructure.
These changes also create environmental challenges. Some regions may experience increased demand for services and infrastructure, while others may face vacant buildings, underused transport networks, and resources tied up in assets that are no longer fully utilised.
The PhD project aims to improve understanding of how spatial population distribution, demographic change, and urban form jointly influence future resource demand and greenhouse gas emissions.
The research will assess trade-offs between the resource efficiencies associated with urban density and the environmental consequences of regional depopulation. It will also explore how adaptive reuse, circular strategies, and integrated spatial planning can support wellbeing while reducing land use and emissions.
Ultimately, the research is intended to inform urban and regional development strategies that respond to changing populations while promoting more sustainable use of materials, energy, land, and infrastructure across Europe.
Key Responsibilities
The selected PhD researcher will combine quantitative modeling, spatial analysis, environmental assessment, and scenario development.
1. Develop Spatially Detailed Activity Demand Models
You will develop high-resolution activity demand models for the building and transport sectors. These models will use future scenarios of European demographic change to explore how population distribution and household characteristics may influence demand for buildings, mobility, and related services.
2. Analyse Material Flows and Life-Cycle Impacts
The project will integrate activity demand projections with material flow models and life-cycle models. This work will help quantify future energy requirements, material intensity, and greenhouse gas emissions under different demographic and spatial development scenarios.
3. Evaluate Adaptive Reuse and Circular Strategies
You will investigate options for reusing vacant buildings and underutilised transport infrastructure, particularly in regions experiencing population decline or ageing.
The research will assess how adaptive reuse and circular strategies may help reduce resource consumption and environmental impacts while making better use of existing infrastructure.
4. Design Integrated Spatial Planning Scenarios
You will develop spatial planning scenarios that combine changes to the built environment with transport infrastructure investments. These scenarios will explore pathways that support high wellbeing and lower resource use and emissions across different urban and rural contexts.
5. Contribute to Interdisciplinary Environmental Research
The project will connect demographic trends with urban planning, sustainability, resource use, and environmental management. You will work within a multidisciplinary research environment and contribute findings relevant to future urban and regional development policies.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should have a relevant academic background and a strong interest in the relationship between demographic change and environmental sustainability.
The stated selection criteria include:
Master’s degree: A degree in Sustainability Sciences, Urban Planning, Engineering, Geospatial Science, or a related discipline.
GIS and spatial analysis: Experience with geographic information systems and spatial data analysis.
Quantitative research: Experience working with large quantitative datasets.
Programming: Experience with programming and data analysis.
Environmental assessment: Experience with, or willingness to learn, Material Flow Analysis (MFA) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).
Communication skills: Strong written and spoken English, scientific writing ability, and effective visual and verbal communication skills.
Collaboration: Ability to work independently while contributing to a multidisciplinary research team.
Research interests: A keen interest in the intersection of societal demographic change and environmental management.
Problem-solving: A creative, curious, and analytical approach to research.
Applicants are not necessarily expected to have advanced experience in every method. The vacancy specifically welcomes candidates who have experience with or are willing to learn material flow analysis and life-cycle assessment.
Leiden University also emphasises an inclusive and diverse research environment, welcoming applications from people with different backgrounds and experiences.
Salary and Employment Benefits
Leiden University offers an initial one-year contract, with the possibility of extension for up to three additional years based on performance. The salary follows pay scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
Salary progression
First year: €3,204 gross per month.
Final year: €4,051 gross per month.
The university also provides several employment benefits.
Annual leave and work-life balance
The full-time position is based on 38 working hours per week. Employees are entitled to 232 vacation hours per year, equivalent to approximately 30.5 days at the stated working hours.
Working hours may be arranged flexibly in consultation with the supervisor. For example, employees may choose to work 40 hours per week and accumulate additional compensation hours, or work 36 hours per week by using some vacation hours.
Additional benefits
The employment package includes:
8% holiday allowance.
8.3% year-end bonus.
Pension scheme through ABP.
Options for sabbatical leave and paid parental leave.
An individual choices model for certain employment benefits.
Potential benefits such as sports subscriptions, bicycle schemes, and childcare options.
Hybrid working options where the role permits, with working from home within the Netherlands.
A home-working allowance and internet allowance.
A university-provided laptop and support for setting up a home office.
PhD training through the Graduate School of Science, including professional courses, skills training, and personal effectiveness development.
For further details, consult Leiden University’s employment conditions and application information.
About Leiden University and the Institute of Environmental Sciences
Founded in 1575, Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands. It is located between Amsterdam and The Hague and has an international academic community.
The Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) is part of the Faculty of Science and conducts interdisciplinary research and education in environmental sciences. Its work focuses on the sustainable use of natural resources and the preservation of natural capital and biodiversity.
CML promotes collaboration, professional development, and interdisciplinary research. It also works with institutions including TU Delft, Erasmus University Rotterdam, and Naturalis Biodiversity Centre through collaborative sustainability initiatives.
The Faculty of Science is based at Leiden’s Bio Science Park, where academic research and business activity come together. Its research covers a wide range of disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, information science, and environmental sciences.
This PhD position offers an opportunity to work at the intersection of environmental science, urban development, geospatial analysis, and sustainability research.
How to Apply
Candidates must submit their applications through Leiden University’s online recruitment system. Applications submitted by email will not be considered.
Applicants should prepare the following documents and information:
Curriculum Vitae (CV): Include your academic qualifications, research experience, technical skills, and relevant publications or projects.
Cover letter: Maximum two pages. Explain your motivation for applying and how your academic background and research skills align with the project.
At least two referees: Provide the names and contact details of at least two referees.
Please quote vacancy number 16964 in your application materials where appropriate.
Application deadline
11 January 2027
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
Interview schedule
First round: 19–23 January 2027.
Second round: 26 January–6 February 2027.
Official application link
Apply for the PhD Researcher position at Leiden University
Contact for enquiries
For questions about the position, contact:
The selection committee includes Dr. Lena Kilian, Prof. dr. René Kleijn, and Dr. Peter Berrill.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the PhD project at Leiden University about?
The project investigates how spatial population distribution, demographic change, and urban form influence resource demand, energy use, material requirements, and greenhouse gas emissions across Europe.
2. What is the application deadline?
The deadline is 11 January 2027. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.
3. What qualifications are required?
Applicants need a master’s degree in Sustainability Sciences, Urban Planning, Engineering, Geospatial Science, or a related discipline.
4. Is GIS experience required?
Experience with GIS analysis, large quantitative datasets, and programming is listed among the selection criteria. Applicants should explain their relevant technical experience in their CV and cover letter.
5. Do applicants need experience in Material Flow Analysis and Life Cycle Assessment?
Candidates should have experience with or a willingness to learn Material Flow Analysis (MFA) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The vacancy does not state that advanced experience in both methods is mandatory.
6. What is the monthly salary?
The gross monthly salary starts at €3,204 in the first year and rises to €4,051 in the final year, according to the university’s stated salary scale.
7. How long is the PhD contract?
The initial contract is for one year, with the possibility of extension for up to three additional years based on performance.
8. What are the working hours?
The position is listed as full-time at 38 hours per week. The university describes flexibility in working hours through arrangements made with the supervisor.
9. What application documents are required?
Applicants must submit a CV, a cover letter of no more than two pages, and the names and contact details of at least two referees.
10. When will interviews take place?
The first round of interviews is scheduled for 19–23 January 2027. The second round is scheduled for 26 January–6 February 2027.
11. Where is the position located?
The position is based in Leiden, Netherlands, at the Institute of Environmental Sciences within Leiden University’s Faculty of Science.
12. How can I apply?
Submit your application through the official Leiden University recruitment portal. Use vacancy number 16964 to identify the position.
Final Thoughts
The PhD Researcher position in Environmental Impacts of Spatial Demographic Change at Leiden University is an opportunity for candidates interested in sustainable urban planning, geospatial analysis, environmental assessment, and demographic change.
The project will examine how population ageing, smaller households, and regional depopulation influence resource demand and emissions, while exploring strategies for better use of buildings and infrastructure.
With a salary that increases from €3,204 to €4,051 gross per month, a potential four-year PhD pathway, and a broad employment benefits package, the position may suit graduates who want to pursue interdisciplinary sustainability research.
Interested candidates should prepare their application materials and submit them by 11 January 2027.
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