PhD Position: Spatial Energy Planning for Positive Energy Districts

1. Introduction

The Department of Spatial Planning at Radboud University is seeking a highly motivated and talented PhD candidate to join the EmPowerED project. In the EmPowerED project, researchers from research universities and universities of applied sciences and TNO work together with citizens, businesses and local governments to develop sustainable heating solutions for neighbourhoods. The goal of this project is to create a toolbox to help design local integrated energy and heating systems that fit local needs. These solutions are tested in real-life situations to prove their effectiveness. The overarching goal of the EmPowerED project is to accelerate the very challenging heat and energy transition in neighbourhoods. Addressing this challenge requires new knowledge of innovative technologies, energy system integration, energy behaviour and the preferences of citizens, and the governance of decentralised energy systems. You will work on this challenge together with nine other PhD candidates at different universities in the Netherlands and researchers of universities of applied sciences.

2. Job description

The focus of this PhD position is Spatial Energy Planning within Positive Energy Districts. This part of the project focuses on aligning heat and energy governance with spatial planning by analysing the spatial requirements for energy-related infrastructure in existing neighbourhoods, and more broadly the energy dimension of living in urban areas. The research will employ a layer approach, assessing the biophysical underground, networks and infrastructure, and building layer, in relation to societal and technical aspects (e.g. energy communities). By integrating GIS-based spatial analysis with energy demand and supply assessments of other subprojects within EmPowerED, this PhD project will support the development of Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) in complex urban settings. Together with researchers from the fields of energy modelling, social network analysis and governance, you will develop new spatial energy concepts to integrate the social, technological and governance challenges in the heat and energy transition, working towards Positive Energy Districts. You will collaborate closely with the PhD candidate on governance at the Environmental Governance and Politics chair group at Radboud University.

Possible research themes:

• The current state of the art of energy planning and governance.
• The role of planning support systems in decision-making in relation to energy modelling and social aspects in neighbourhoods.
• The usability of this decision support system for energy planning to be determined by Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA).
• The possible roles of energy planning as a guiding force in spatial planning and its implications.
• The role of energy communities and other stakeholders in energy planning.

3. Profile

• You should hold or are about to obtain a Master's degree in spatial planning, geography, geo-information science, environmental science, or a related field with a focus on GIS for society.
• You have strong analytical and research skills.
• You are interested in visual communication of spatial data and proficient in GIS and spatial analysis techniques.
• You possess excellent written and oral communication skills in Dutch and English. Mastery the Dutch language is a requirement for the Dutch case studies.
• You are a team player and able to work independently.
• You have an interest in interdisciplinary research and stakeholder engagement.

4. We are

The department of Geography, Planning and the Environment (GPE) seeks to provide a deep understanding of how places, from the local to the global level, are politically and materially shaped, experienced and governed, and to contribute to the development of more sustainable and equitable places. GPE's approach goes explicitly beyond a government and policy orientation, addressing the deep political and institutional nature of placemaking and spatial-environmental governance. The group seeks to contribute to more future-oriented practices and territorial images. The Spatial Planning Department specifically investigates the relationship between urban spaces, landscape, energy, health, climate adaptation and mobility from different perspectives. We operate in cooperation with the Radboud university medical center, the Faculty of Social Sciences, the Faculty of Science, and societal partners.

5. We offer

• We will give you a temporary employment contract (1.0 FTE) of 1.5 years, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, your contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4-year contract).     
• You will receive a starting salary of €2,901 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week, which will increase to €3,707 in the fourth year (salary scale P).
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus. 
• We offer Dual Career Coaching. The Dual Career Coaching assists your partner via support, tools, and resources to improve their chances of independently finding employment in the Netherlands. 
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20. 

6. Practical information and applying

You can apply only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Henk-Jan Kooij. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application.

The first interviews will take place on Wednesday 2 and/or Thursday 3 July. Any second interview will take place on Tuesday 8, Wednesday 9 and/or Thursday 10 July. You will preferably start your employment on 1 September 2025.

We can imagine you're curious about our application procedure. It describes what you can expect during the application procedure and how we handle your personal data and internal and external candidates.