The research group LEMA of the University of Liege is seeking one doctoral candidate for conducting research on a scientific project dedicated to modelling residential densification and studying its impact on land values, Urban Heat Island (UHI) and the well-being of citizens.

For more than 30 years, LEMA has led basic and applied research in the domain of the urban environment, in both its physical (urban quarters, housing, public spaces), cultural (cultural heritage, tourism), perceptive (townscape, visual and thermal comfort) and social (quality of life, urban cohesion) dimensions. The activities of the laboratory are mainly based on a combination between computer modelling and social methods (qualitative and quantitative).

LEMA gathers 3 full-time professors, 3 senior researchers and 10 international PhD researchers. Our research team has a strong experience in building collaborative research, associating academic partners, local authorities and community groups.

LEMA has developed over the years a strong record in welcoming doctoral and post-doctoral researchers. The group published 120+ scientific papers in highly ranked peer-reviewed journals. These publications are available from the following page.

Function

We are looking for one highly motivated doctoral candidate to join our group and contribute to a new scientific research projects dedicated to residential densification.

You will take part to the Sustainable Densification (SusDens) research project, supported by the Belgian National Research Fund. The SusDens project is based on a collaboration between University of Liege and LISER (Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research)

The SusDens project aims at developing a comprehensive modelling framework of residential densification at the city scale. To do so, it will propose a 3D vector-based cellular automata (3D-CA) model with new transition rules and neighborhood type (considering building attributes like height, usage and surface) for simulating residential densification and its impacts on i) the economy (i.e. land values), ii) the environment (i.e. UHI) and the society (i.e. perception and well-being of citizens).

You will work in close cooperation with a post-doc researcher from LISER for the development of a vector-based 3D cellular automata model. This model will be calibrated and tested for the cities of Brussels and Luxembourg. You will design and apply a stated-preference survey for the analysis of the impact of residential densification on the well-being of citizens. You will use energy modelling software to analyse the impact of residential densification on the UHI.

More information about the SusDens project will be provided to shortlisted candidates.

Profile

Applicants for doctoral position must have completed a master degree in a field closely related to urban planning, geosciences, geography, computer sciences, engineering. Excellent written and verbal English communication skills are required.

Preference will be given to candidates with some level of proficiency in computer programming and statistical analysis.

We offer

Candidates will be fully funded (tax-free monthly allowance, approx. 2,100 € at the doctoral level) for up to 4 years. They will benefit from a dynamic working environment, with stimulating scientific support, state-of-the-art research facilities and advanced computational modelling tools. They may be requested to apply for extra funding.

The University of Liège offers a comprehensive and innovative training program, which enables early-career scientists to carry out their research in the best possible conditions, in compliance with the European Charter for Researchers.

How to apply?

Outstanding candidates should apply by email to Jacques Teller with a curriculum vitae, full transcripts of Bachelor and Master studies, and two references. Short-listed candidates will have to take part in an oral interview at the University of Liege. The positions will remain open until filled; but the selection will start from February 1^st, 2020. Interviews of shortlisted candidates will take place at University of Liege in the first half of February. Starting date is expected early March 2020.