TU Delft invites applications for a PhD position exploring water infrastructures, spatial planning, and governance in peri-urban Africa. This interdisciplinary project focuses on developing climate-resilient, inclusive, and equitable water systems in rapidly urbanizing African regions. The position is embedded within the Climate Safety & Security Centre (CaSS) and supports TU Delft’s flagship on water security.
This research will bridge disciplines—urbanism, water engineering, planning, and governance—and integrate both technical and social dimensions of infrastructure development in regions where urban growth outpaces institutional planning.
Institution: TU Delft, Netherlands
Application Deadline: 22 August 2025
Location: Delft, with one day per week at Campus The Hague
Salary Range: €2,901 – €3,707/month (based on experience and contract year)
Contract Duration: 4 years (initial 1.5-year contract, followed by 2.5 years upon positive evaluation)
FTE: 1.0 (Full-Time Equivalent)
Research Scope and Objectives
Peri-urban areas across Africa often experience fragmented planning and infrastructure delivery. This PhD will investigate how decentralized, community-led water systems can be incorporated into broader governance frameworks and under what institutional conditions these approaches succeed.
Core research components include:
- Spatial and historical analysis of urban growth and infrastructure evolution
- Policy and governance analysis to assess institutional enablers and barriers
- Case studies of decentralized water initiatives in multiple African cities
- Participatory scenario planning to co-develop future climate-resilient water strategies
The position offers opportunities for both theoretical advancement and real-world impact, including collaborations with utilities, NGOs, government agencies, and community organizations.
Candidate Profile
Candidates should demonstrate a strong interdisciplinary orientation and capacity for field-based, participatory, and policy-relevant research. The ideal applicant possesses:
- A completed MSc degree in a relevant field by the start date (e.g. Urbanism, Spatial Planning, Water Engineering, Environmental Studies, Development Studies, Public Policy)
- Strong analytical skills, including mixed-methods research and systems thinking
- Experience or interest in African urban contexts, spatial/infrastructure justice, or climate governance
- Proficiency in English (spoken and written)
- Geospatial analysis skills (e.g. GIS)
- Willingness to travel and conduct fieldwork in African countries
Desirable but not required:
- Prior research or work experience in African cities
- Background in political ecology or critical urban studies
- Collaborative and communication skills for engaging diverse stakeholders
Supervisory Team and Institutional Context
The successful applicant will be jointly supervised by Dr. Roberto Rocco, Dr. Edo Abraham, and Dr. Job van der Werf. They will be embedded in both the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences and the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment at TU Delft. This interdisciplinary structure provides a unique platform for engaging with climate resilience, infrastructure governance, and urban justice.
The project is part of the Climate Safety & Security (CaSS) Centre based at TU Delft’s Campus The Hague. CaSS integrates research on climate change, security, and human well-being, emphasizing issues like water, energy, and food security. The PhD candidate will spend one day a week at Campus The Hague and engage with networks of international organizations, policymakers, and fellow researchers.
Compensation and Benefits
TU Delft offers:
- A competitive monthly salary: from €2,901 in year one to €3,707 in year four
- Full access to the TU Delft Graduate School, including doctoral education courses
- Support with relocation and integration via the Coming to Delft Service
- A comprehensive benefits package including pension contributions, work-related compensation, and flexible working hours
- A Dual Career Programme to assist partners in job placement
How to Apply
Interested candidates must apply by 22 August 2025 via TU Delft’s online portal.
Required documents:
- Motivation letter (max. 1 page, 11 pt font)
- Curriculum Vitae
- MSc thesis or other relevant publications
- Transcript of academic records (simple copies acceptable at initial stage)
Applications must be submitted online. Emailed submissions will not be processed.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews approximately 2–3 weeks after the deadline. A pre-employment screening and knowledge security check may be part of the final selection process.
About TU Delft
As a globally recognized leader in engineering and design, TU Delft combines scientific excellence with societal relevance. It is known for its pioneering role in the Dutch water sector and strong commitment to sustainability, equity, and open science. TU Delft encourages applications from diverse backgrounds and strives to be a university where all individuals feel welcome and supported.