Project Overview
About the Position
TU Delft invites applications for a PhD position on indoor thermal natural variation for heat resilience, within the NWO-funded Nature 4 Homes programme. Conventional comfort standards assume near-uniform indoor temperatures, yet naturally ventilated homes show large spatial and temporal variation during heatwaves - variation that may actually be tolerable, or even beneficial, when managed well. The doctoral project studies how far natural indoor thermal variation can extend before health and comfort suffer, using citizen-science field data and modelling.
The position is a salaried four-year doctoral appointment under the Dutch CAO-NU collective agreement in the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment. The doctoral candidate will design and run measurement campaigns in occupied homes, recruit and support citizen-science participants, analyse environmental and survey data, and develop models that link envelope behaviour, occupant behaviour and comfort outcomes. The results will inform design guidance for heat-resilient housing renovation.
Candidate Profile
Applicants hold a master's degree in building physics, architecture, civil engineering or a related field, with strong data-analysis skills and an interest in occupant-centred research. Experience with sensor deployments, fieldwork or statistical modelling is an advantage, and comfort with community engagement is important for the citizen-science component. Applications are submitted through TU Delft's careers portal with a CV, transcripts, references and a motivation letter.
Highlights
- NWO Nature 4 Homes-funded PhD on indoor thermal variation
- Citizen-science measurement campaigns in real homes
- Comfort, health and modelling of natural variation
- Design guidance for heat-resilient renovation
- Salaried employment under the CAO-NU agreement
- Occupant-centred building research at TU Delft
Funding and Duration
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Award or position | PhD fellowship / salaried position |
| Stipend / salary | EUR 3,204 - EUR 4,051 gross per month (CAO-NU PhD scale) |
| Duration | Four years (PhD employment) |
Eligibility and Requirements
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicant eligibility | Worldwide |
| Academic preparation | Master's in building physics, architecture, civil engineering or a related field; data-analysis skills |
| Language | English proficiency required |
Application dates
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment status | Open |
| Deadline | 11 November 2026 |
| Location | Delft, Netherlands |
About TU Delft
TU Delft is a public technical university in Delft, the Netherlands. It offers undergraduate, master's and doctoral education across engineering, architecture, design and applied sciences. Its research connects technical knowledge with practical challenges, including energy, mobility, infrastructure and sustainability, through collaboration with industry, public organisations and international academic institutions worldwide.
Official details: Read the programme or project information
Application route: Follow the official application instructions
Contact
Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be raised through the contact channel given on the official announcement page (see the Official Link section above). Always quote the position reference in your message so the admissions or HR team can route your enquiry quickly.
Important Notes
- Application deadline: 11 November 2026 - late or incomplete applications are normally not considered.
- Listing details were recorded from the official source at the time of publication; always confirm the latest requirements on the official page before applying.
- Prepare the documents listed in the eligibility and application sections before starting the online form - transcripts, CV and references take the longest to collect.
How to Apply
Submit your application through the official page before the deadline: 11 November 2026. Read the eligibility requirements carefully and prepare all requested documents - early applications are strongly recommended for competitive awards.
Open the official application page ↗
Application guides
- PhD Employment in the Netherlands: Salary, Contract and Funding Routes
- Scholarship Application Rejected? 12 Problems to Check Before Reapplying
Official Link
https://careers.tudelft.nl/job/Delft-PhD-Position-Indoor-Thermal-Natural-Variation-for-Heat-Resilience-2628-CD/1374037157/
Frequently asked questions
Drawn from this listing's own record. Always confirm the details on the official source before applying.
What is the deadline for PhD Position: Indoor Thermal Natural Variation for Heat Resilience (NWO Nature 4 Homes) - TU Delft, Netherlands?
The application deadline is 12 November 2026 (11 November 2026). Applications received after that date are not considered, so treat it as a hard cut-off (Europe/Amsterdam time) and leave time for references and transcripts. Closing time not specified — confirm with the provider before you leave it until the last day: the source names Europe/Amsterdam but gives no clock time.
Is PhD Position: Indoor Thermal Natural Variation for Heat Resilience (NWO Nature 4 Homes) - TU Delft, Netherlands fully funded?
This is a fully funded award: tuition is covered and a living stipend is provided for the duration of the programme. EUR 3,204 - EUR 4,051 gross per month (CAO-NU PhD scale).
Who is eligible to apply for PhD Position: Indoor Thermal Natural Variation for Heat Resilience (NWO Nature 4 Homes) - TU Delft, Netherlands?
This opportunity is open to applicants worldwide. Host-country status is not a requirement, although you must still satisfy the visa rules for Netherlands. Applications are assessed by TU Delft.
How do I apply for PhD Position: Indoor Thermal Natural Variation for Heat Resilience (NWO Nature 4 Homes) - TU Delft, Netherlands?
Applications for PhD Position: Indoor Thermal Natural Variation for Heat Resilience (NWO Nature 4 Homes) - TU Delft, Netherlands are submitted directly to TU Delft through the provider's own application portal — use the Apply button on this page to open it. NextApply does not process applications or charge a fee.
Is an English proficiency test required for PhD Position: Indoor Thermal Natural Variation for Heat Resilience (NWO Nature 4 Homes) - TU Delft, Netherlands?
Yes — an English-language certificate is required for this listing. Check the exact band expected on the official source, since it can differ by programme. Requirements for Netherlands are published by the provider.
What study level does PhD Position: Indoor Thermal Natural Variation for Heat Resilience (NWO Nature 4 Homes) - TU Delft, Netherlands offer?
This listing is offered at PhD level. That describes the qualification on offer, not a credential you must already hold — check the provider's stated entry requirements before applying.
Hosted by
TU Delft
TU Delft is a public technical university in Delft, the Netherlands. It offers undergraduate, master's and doctoral education across engineering, architecture, design and applied sciences. Its research connects technical knowledge with practical challenges, including energy, mobility, infrastructure and sustainability, through collaboration with industry, public organisations and international academic institutions worldwide.
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