Fully Funded PhD Position in Just and Inclusive Urban Mobility Transition at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Netherlands 2026

Explore How Sustainable Urban Mobility Can Be Made Fair, Inclusive, and Accessible for All

Applications are now open for an exciting fully funded PhD position at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the Netherlands. The doctoral research project, titled “Shaping a Just and Inclusive Urban Mobility Transition,” offers a unique opportunity for aspiring researchers to contribute to one of the most pressing challenges facing cities today: creating sustainable mobility systems that are socially equitable and spatially inclusive.

As cities around the world grapple with climate change, urban congestion, environmental degradation, and increasing social inequalities, the need for sustainable transportation solutions has become more urgent than ever. However, mobility transitions are not merely technological transformations. They also involve important questions about fairness, accessibility, housing, spatial planning, and social justice.

This PhD project seeks to address these challenges by exploring how principles of mobility justice and spatial accessibility can guide future urban mobility transitions, ensuring that both the benefits and burdens of sustainable mobility are distributed fairly across different communities and geographic areas.

About the Research Project

Urban mobility plays a critical role in everyday life. It determines how people access:

• Employment opportunities
• Educational institutions
• Healthcare services
• Public facilities
• Social networks and recreational activities

Despite its importance, access to transportation and mobility opportunities is not equally distributed. Many communities face barriers due to:

• Geographic location
• Economic circumstances
• Limited transportation infrastructure
• Social inequalities
• Housing and land-use patterns

As governments and cities increasingly promote sustainable transportation solutions such as active mobility, shared mobility, public transportation, and digital accessibility, concerns regarding fairness and inclusivity become increasingly important.

The PhD project aims to investigate how mobility transitions can be designed and implemented in ways that ensure equitable outcomes for all population groups.

Why This Research Matters

Current mobility policies often focus on environmental sustainability and technological innovation. However, they sometimes overlook the social consequences of these transitions.

For example:

• Who benefits from new mobility policies?
• Which communities may be disadvantaged?
• How do planning decisions affect vulnerable populations?
• Can sustainable mobility solutions be equally accessible across different neighborhoods?
• How can digital accessibility reduce transportation disadvantages?

These are the types of critical questions that this doctoral research seeks to answer.

The project will contribute to both:

1. Academic knowledge on mobility justice and spatial accessibility.
2. Practical tools and strategies for planners, policymakers, designers, and municipalities.

Potential Research Themes

The successful PhD candidate will enjoy substantial flexibility in shaping their own research agenda within the broader theme of mobility justice and sustainable urban transitions.

Possible research directions include:

1. Inclusive Active and Shared Mobility Solutions

Research may examine how active transportation and shared mobility services can be adapted to different social and spatial contexts.

Potential areas include:

• Cycling infrastructure
• Walking accessibility
• Shared mobility systems
• Micromobility solutions
• Community-based transportation initiatives

2. Citizen and Stakeholder Perspectives

The project may explore how residents, communities, and stakeholders perceive justice and fairness in mobility transitions.

Research topics may include:

• Public participation
• Community engagement
• Decision-making processes
• Perceptions of transportation equity

3. Mobility, Housing, and Spatial Planning

Mobility systems are deeply connected to urban development and housing policies.

Potential research areas include:

• Land-use planning
• Affordable housing accessibility
• Urban expansion
• Transit-oriented development
• Spatial inequalities

4. Equity Impacts of the 15-Minute City Concept

The increasingly popular 15-minute city model seeks to ensure that essential services can be reached within a short distance.

Research may investigate:

• Accessibility benefits
• Equity implications
• Social inclusion outcomes
• Spatial distribution of services

5. Digital Accessibility and Transport Disadvantage

Digital technologies are increasingly changing how people access services and opportunities.

Potential research topics include:

• Remote work
• Online public services
• Digital inclusion
• Transport disadvantage reduction
• Hybrid accessibility models

Research Methodology

The project is expected to employ a mixed-methods research approach, combining qualitative and quantitative techniques.

Methods may include:

• Case studies
• Stakeholder interviews
• Community engagement workshops
• Participatory research methods
• Surveys
• Accessibility analysis
• Spatial analysis

Fieldwork will be conducted in one or more locations across the Netherlands.

The research may focus on:

• Urban areas
• Suburban environments
• Metropolitan regions
• Peri-urban communities

What TU Delft Is Looking For

TU Delft is seeking a highly motivated and critically engaged researcher who is passionate about creating sustainable and inclusive mobility futures.

Applicants should possess:

• A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline.
• Interest in sustainable mobility transitions.
• Commitment to social and spatial justice.
• Strong analytical and research skills.
• Interest in participatory and community-engaged research.
• Excellent communication abilities.
• Strong English language proficiency.
• Dutch language proficiency at CEFR B2 level or higher.

Funding and Benefits

The selected PhD candidate will receive a fully funded four-year employment contract.

Employment Structure

The appointment includes:

• Initial 1.5-year contract
• Progress evaluation after 15 months
• Additional 2.5-year contract upon successful evaluation

Salary

The monthly gross salary increases throughout the PhD trajectory:

• First Year: €3,059 per month
• Fourth Year: €3,881 per month

Additional Benefits

Successful candidates will also receive:

• 8% holiday allowance
• 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• Enrollment in the TU Delft Graduate School
• Access to doctoral training programs
• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible working arrangements
• Health insurance discounts
• Monthly work-cost contributions
• Academic mentorship and supervision

Relocation Support

International candidates relocating to the Netherlands will benefit from:

• Relocation guidance
• Settlement support services
• Networking events
• Dual Career Programme support for accompanying partners

About Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is among Europe’s leading universities in science, engineering, design, and innovation.

The university is internationally recognized for its contributions in areas such as:

• Climate action
• Sustainable energy
• Urban development
• Mobility innovation
• Digital technologies
• Biotechnology

The Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment is globally renowned for its excellence in design-oriented research and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The successful candidate will join the Urban Studies section within the Department of Urbanism, where researchers investigate the interactions between people, urban environments, and societal transformations.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following documents:

1. Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)

A comprehensive CV in English.

2. Motivation Letter

A cover letter in English outlining:

• Motivation for applying
• Research interests
• Suitability for the position

Maximum length: 2 pages.

3. Research Proposal

Maximum 700 words (excluding references).

The proposal should include:

• Problem statement
• Research questions
• Research design
• Methodology
• Expected outcomes

4. Academic References

Names and contact information of two academic referees.

Reference letters are not required at the application stage.

Important Dates

Application Deadline

21 June 2026 (Local Dutch Time)

Interview Date

9 July 2026

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

For aspiring researchers interested in sustainable cities, mobility justice, urban planning, and inclusive transportation systems, this fully funded PhD position at TU Delft presents an outstanding opportunity to conduct impactful research while contributing to more equitable and sustainable urban futures.

For more information about this opportunity, visit here.

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