About the Program
The University of Groningen offers a fully-funded 4-year PhD position on the project “Grassroots Retrofitting: Towards Community Empowerment and Fair Residential Energy Transition using Community-Based Infrared Thermography”. This position, hosted by the Faculty of Spatial Sciences in collaboration with the Faculty of Science and Engineering, focuses on addressing energy poverty in North-East Groningen, a region with significant challenges in retrofitting residential buildings. Supervised by Dr. Elen-Maarja Trell and Dr. Liangliang Cheng, the research combines AI-powered infrared thermography with community-engagement workshops to empower households and develop equitable retrofit strategies. The PhD candidate will conduct fieldwork, organise community workshops, collaborate with local stakeholders, and produce a PhD thesis contributing to sustainable energy transition research. This program provides a vibrant international research environment, interdisciplinary collaboration, and practical impact on energy policy.
Program Details
- Position: Fully-funded PhD Position / Doctoral Researcher
- Institution: University of Groningen
- Department/Faculty: Faculty of Spatial Sciences / Faculty of Science and Engineering
- Supervisor: Dr. Elen-Maarja Trell, Dr. Liangliang Cheng
- Location: Groningen, Netherlands
- Start Date (Anticipated): 1 December 2025
- Duration: 4 years
- Funding: Fully-funded PhD with salary €3,059–€3,881 gross per month, including holiday allowance and year-end bonus
- Working Hours: 38 hours/week
- Required Degree/Diploma: Master’s degree or equivalent
Research Focus/Area
- Grassroots retrofitting and residential energy transition
- Community empowerment and energy poverty
- Human geography and spatial planning
- Environmental and sustainability studies
- Participatory and qualitative research methods
- AI-powered thermography for energy efficiency
- Policy recommendations for equitable retrofitting
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree or equivalent in spatial sciences, human geography, environmental science, public administration, political or social sciences
- Sufficient proficiency in Dutch to communicate with local communities
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills
- Proficiency in English
Preferred Qualifications:
- Research experience in community engagement, participatory methods, or qualitative analysis
- Knowledge of AI modelling, data analysis, or technical visualisation tools
- Strong academic record and creative, curiosity-driven approach
Key Features of the Program
- Hands-on fieldwork and community-engagement workshops in North-East Groningen
- Interdisciplinary research collaboration across faculties
- International PhD research environment
- Access to lab resources and technical support from the Dynamics and Vibration research group
- Conference and travel funding
- Opportunity to contribute to policy-relevant outcomes and social impact
Application Process
How to Apply:
Applications should be submitted via the University of Groningen portal: PhD Grassroots retrofitting
Required Documents:
- Letter of motivation
- Curriculum Vitae
- One-page PhD research proposal
- Contact details of two referees
- Bachelor’s and Master’s transcripts
- Relevant certificates, publications, or awards
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 29 August 2025
- Deadline: 25 September 2025, 22:00 UTC
- Interviews: Second week of October 2025
Where to Apply
- University Website: University of Groningen
- Official Notification: Job Details
- Application Portal: Apply Here
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