PhD Position in Urban Health Equity 2026: Heat Risks, Pediatric Respiratory Health and Greenspace Interventions at the University of Amsterdam

Introduction: Climate Change, Urban Health, and Equity

Climate change is not a distant abstraction; it is a lived reality shaping the daily experiences of millions of people across the globe. Cities, as hubs of human activity, are particularly vulnerable to its impacts. The urban heat island effect intensifies heat waves, raising temperatures in built environments far above those in surrounding rural areas. This phenomenon is compounded by environmental degradation, air pollution, and socio‑economic inequalities, creating a perfect storm of health risks.

Children are among the most vulnerable groups in this context. Their respiratory systems are still developing, making them highly sensitive to pollutants, aeroallergens, and extreme heat exposure. Research consistently shows that heat events correlate with increased asthma rates, exacerbations of chronic respiratory conditions, and long‑term reductions in lung function. These health challenges do not exist in isolation; they ripple outward, influencing educational achievement, social participation, and future socio‑economic attainment.

The University of Amsterdam (UvA) has recognized the urgency of addressing these interconnected challenges. Through its Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, UvA is offering a PhD position focused on Urban Health Equity and the Impacts of Heat Risks. This project is not merely academic; it is a call to action. By bridging biomedical sciences and urban studies, the research will explore how rising temperatures intersect with pediatric respiratory health and how urban greenspace interventions can serve as a pathway toward health equity.

This PhD position is embedded in a broader vision: to understand the lived realities of marginalized urban populations, to connect scientific evidence with socio‑political contexts, and to generate actionable insights that can inform urban planning and public health policy. It is an opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge interdisciplinary research that has both local relevance in Amsterdam Southeast and global significance in the fight for climate justice and health equity.

Project Overview: Urban Greenspaces and Health

Urban greenspaces are increasingly recognized as vital components of climate adaptation strategies. Parks, gardens, and green corridors can reduce local temperatures, improve air quality, and provide psychological and social benefits. Yet, the relationship between greenspaces and health is far from straightforward.

• Unequal distribution: Greenspaces are often concentrated in affluent neighborhoods, leaving marginalized communities with limited access. This unequal distribution perpetuates health disparities.
• Historical disinvestment: Many urban planning decisions have systematically neglected disadvantaged districts, amplifying inequities. Amsterdam Southeast, for example, has faced decades of underinvestment, making it a critical site for examining how new greenspaces can reshape health outcomes.
• Climate vs. health planning: Greenspaces are often designed to mitigate climate risks, such as reducing heat, but they do not automatically translate into improved health outcomes. The challenge lies in aligning climate adaptation strategies with public health goals.

This PhD project will explore these dynamics in depth, focusing on Amsterdam Southeast and the newly created Nelson Mandelapark. By combining biomedical explanations (individual interactions with the environment as causes of disease) with urban political ecological explanations (socio‑political conditions shaping environments and institutions), the research will provide a holistic understanding of how greenspaces can promote health equity.

Research Objectives

The PhD candidate will undertake a series of interconnected research tasks designed to capture the complexity of urban health equity:

1. Quantitative Vulnerability and Risk Assessment
   • Map hydro‑meteorologic and pediatric respiratory health risks.
   • Use intersectionality as a lens to understand how social identities (such as race, class, and gender) shape heat risk experiences.
   • Combine mechanistic pathway mapping (secondary data on environmental stressors and respiratory outcomes) with qualitative interviews to capture lived experiences.
2. Qualitative Examination of Urban Greenspace Planning
   • Investigate dominant planning and management regimes.
   • Conduct interviews with caregivers, residents, and public officials to understand how greening strategies intersect with health and climate change adaptation.
   • Explore how policies and institutions shape access to greenspaces.
3. Integrated Multi‑Scalar Analysis
   • Link bodily experiences of heat exposure with political‑economic systems.
   • Examine how urban environments shape pediatric respiratory health at multiple scales, from individual bodies to citywide planning regimes.
4. Ranking and Prioritization of Greenspace Interventions
   • Assess existing interventions in Amsterdam Southeast.
   • Provide recommendations for future urban planning strategies that prioritize health equity.

This multi‑layered approach ensures that the research captures both the biological mechanisms of disease and the socio‑political contexts that shape health outcomes.

Supervisors and Institutional Context

The PhD candidate will be supervised by:

• Dr Jannes Willems (Urban Planning, Department of Geography, Planning and International Development Studies)
• Dr Vanessa Harris (Department of Global Health, Amsterdam University Medical Centers)
• Prof Maria Kaika (Urban Studies and Political Ecology)

The candidate will be embedded in the Urban Planning research group at UvA and affiliated with the Department of Global Health at Amsterdam UMC. This dual affiliation ensures a truly interdisciplinary environment, combining social science and biomedical expertise.

Candidate Requirements

Applicants should hold a (Research) Master’s degree in one or more of the following fields:

• Human geography
• Urban and regional planning
• Urban studies
• Public health
• Global health
• Medicine (MD)
• Biomedical sciences
• Environmental studies
• Interdisciplinary programs bridging these fields

Preferred qualifications include:

• Experience conducting fieldwork in unfamiliar settings, demonstrating adaptability and resilience.
• Familiarity with mixed methods research, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches.
• Strong writing skills and ability to develop complex, critical arguments.
• Excellent English proficiency (written and verbal).
• Dutch language skills (preferred, for fieldwork in Amsterdam Southeast).
• Ability to work independently while also contributing to collaborative research teams.

The ideal candidate will be passionate about interdisciplinary research, committed to social justice, and eager to contribute to innovative solutions at the intersection of climate adaptation, public health, and urban equity.

Benefits and Opportunities

Successful candidates will enjoy a range of benefits and opportunities:

• Interdisciplinary supervision: A supportive team of supervisors from both social science and biomedical backgrounds.
• International research networks: Opportunities to attend conferences, workshops, and seminars, connecting with scholars worldwide.
• Resources for fieldwork: Funding and logistical support for conducting research in Amsterdam Southeast.
• Professional development: Access to courses and training through the Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research.
• Collaborative environment: Embedding in two leading research groups (Urban Planning and Global Health) that value curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.

This combination of resources and support ensures that the PhD candidate can thrive academically while also contributing to meaningful societal change.

Application Process

Applications must include:

• Curriculum vitae (with contact details for two references).
• Motivation letter (max 750 words), outlining your interest in the project and your suitability for the role.
• Research statement (max 500 words), sharing your initial ideas on how to approach the project.
• Writing sample in English (article, thesis chapter, or assignment).

Deadline: Applications close on 9 August 2026. Interviews: Week of 7 September 2026 (preferably in person in Amsterdam). Start date: 1 November 2026.

For inquiries, contact:

• Dr Jannes Willems (j.j.willems@uva.nl)
• Dr Vanessa Harris (v.c.harris@amsterdamumc.nl)

Apply HERE today!

FAQs

1. What is the central focus of this PhD project? The project investigates how rising temperatures and environmental degradation affect pediatric respiratory health, particularly in marginalized urban communities. It also explores how urban greenspace interventions can mitigate these impacts. The research is designed to connect biomedical explanations (individual interactions with the environment as causes of disease) with urban political ecological explanations (socio‑political conditions shaping environments and institutions).

2. Where will the research be conducted? Fieldwork will take place in Amsterdam Southeast, with a particular focus on the newly created Nelson Mandelapark. This location is significant because it represents both a site of new greenspace development and a community that has historically faced socio‑economic challenges.

3. What disciplines are relevant for applicants? Applicants from a wide range of disciplines are encouraged to apply, including human geography, urban and regional planning, urban studies, public health, global health, medicine, biomedical sciences, and environmental studies. Interdisciplinary backgrounds that bridge these fields are especially valued.

4. Is Dutch language proficiency required? While Dutch proficiency is not mandatory, it is highly preferred. Fieldwork will involve engaging with caregivers, residents, and public officials in Amsterdam Southeast, many of whom may be more comfortable communicating in Dutch. Having this skill will enhance the depth and authenticity of the research.

5. What is the application deadline? Applications close on 9 August 2026. This deadline is firm, and candidates are encouraged to prepare their materials well in advance to ensure timely submission.

6. When will interviews be held? Interviews are scheduled for the week of 7 September 2026, preferably in person in Amsterdam. This provides an opportunity for candidates to meet the supervision team and gain a deeper understanding of the research environment.

7. What is the expected start date? The preferred start date is 1 November 2026. This allows sufficient time for onboarding, preparation, and integration into the research groups at UvA and Amsterdam UMC.

8. What kind of support will the PhD candidate receive? The candidate will benefit from an enthusiastic and warm interdisciplinary supervision team, access to international research networks, resources for fieldwork, and professional development opportunities through the Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research.

9. How does this project contribute to broader societal goals? By focusing on pediatric respiratory health and greenspace interventions, the project addresses urgent societal challenges related to climate adaptation, public health, and social justice. The findings will have implications not only for Amsterdam but also for cities worldwide grappling with similar issues.

Conclusion

This PhD position at the University of Amsterdam is more than an academic opportunity; it is a chance to contribute to transformative research at the intersection of climate change, urban health, and equity. The project recognizes that children are at the frontline of climate impacts, and that their health outcomes are deeply intertwined with socio‑economic conditions and urban environments.

By investigating how rising temperatures and environmental degradation affect pediatric respiratory health, and by exploring the potential of greenspace interventions, the research aims to generate actionable insights that can inform urban planning, public health policy, and climate adaptation strategies.

The University of Amsterdam offers a supportive, interdisciplinary environment where curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking are valued. Candidates who are passionate about interdisciplinary research, committed to social justice, and eager to contribute to innovative solutions are strongly encouraged to apply.

The deadline for applications is 9 August 2026, with interviews scheduled for the week of 7 September 2026 and a preferred start date of 1 November 2026. This timeline ensures that the selected candidate can begin their journey at UvA with clarity and purpose.

In conclusion, this PhD position represents a unique opportunity to engage in research that is both academically rigorous and socially impactful. It is an invitation to join a community of scholars dedicated to addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time, and to contribute to a vision of healthier, more equitable, and more resilient cities.