PhD Position in Urban Health Equity 2026: Heat Risks, Pediatric Respiratory Health and Greenspace Interventions at the University of Amsterdam
The University of Amsterdam invites applications for a PhD position focused on urban health equity, heat risks, pediatric respiratory health, and greenspace interventions. The role is jointly supported by the Urban Planning research group at UvA and the Department of Global Health at Amsterdam UMC.
Overview
The University of Amsterdam (UvA), through its Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, offers an interdisciplinary PhD position investigating urban health equity, heat risks, and pediatric respiratory health. The project bridges biomedical sciences and urban studies, exploring how urban greenspace interventions in areas such as Amsterdam Southeast and the Nelson Mandelapark can serve as a pathway toward health equity and climate justice. The successful candidate will be supervised by experts in urban planning, global health, and political ecology.
Benefits
- Interdisciplinary supervision across social science and biomedical backgrounds.
- Opportunities to connect with international research networks through conferences and workshops.
- Funding and logistical support for conducting field research in Amsterdam Southeast.
- Professional development training and courses through the Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research.
- Dual affiliation and integration within leading research groups at both UvA and Amsterdam UMC.
Eligibility
- Applicants must hold a (Research) Master’s degree in fields such as human geography, urban and regional planning, urban studies, public health, global health, medicine (MD), biomedical sciences, environmental studies, or related interdisciplinary paths.
- Demonstrated passion for interdisciplinary research and commitment to social justice.
- Preferred qualifications include experience conducting fieldwork in unfamiliar settings, familiarity with mixed methods research, strong critical writing skills, excellent spoken and written English proficiency, and Dutch language skills for local fieldwork.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit a comprehensive application package containing:
- A curriculum vitae including contact details for two references.
- A motivation letter of up to 750 words detailing interest in the project and personal suitability.
- A research statement of up to 500 words sharing initial ideas for approaching the project.
- An English-language writing sample, such as an article, thesis chapter, or assignment.
Interested candidates can submit their applications through the official application portal.
Deadline
Applications must be submitted by 9 August 2026. Selected candidate interviews are scheduled for the week of 7 September 2026, with a preferred start date of 1 November 2026.