Postdoc in active environment design for young adults

Sustainability, in its broadest definition, is the cornerstone of research and education in the Department of Built Environment. We take the lead in (re)shaping the built environment to be future-proof, safe, healthy, inclusive and respectful of planetary boundaries. We house the entire spectrum of technology, engineering, design, and human behavior disciplines in the built environment, with world-class experimental facilities at all scales. This allows us to address societal challenges from a uniquely integrated perspective. Introduction Are you passionate about creating healthier and more active study and work environments? Join an interdisciplinary European project exploring how active design and behavioural interventions can reduce sedentary lifestyles among young adults.
Job Description Sedentary lifestyles and declining physical activity levels among young adults are increasingly recognized as major public health challenges. Within the European REACT project, you will contribute to developing evidence-based active design strategies that transform university campuses and workplaces into healthier, more engaging, and activity-friendly environments. Eindhoven University of Technology Department of the Built Environment and contribute to an international consortium including universities, public organizations, sports associations, and industry partners across Europe. The project combines urban design, behavioural science, public health, and evaluation research to develop scalable interventions that promote physical activity, well-being, and productivity. Your primary role will focus on the scientific coordination and delivery of the REACT research and evaluation tasks. In particular, you will lead the development of:

• a state-of-the-art report on active design and its practices in Europe, including a literature review, a conceptual framework, and international good practices related to active campuses and workplaces;
• an evaluation protocol for pilot interventions implemented at a company venue (France) and a university setting (Portugal), combining quantitative and qualitative methods to assess behavioural, physical activity, and well-being outcomes.

As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you will be embedded in the Urbanism and Urban Architecture group (UUA), in particular the Healthy Cities key research theme. You will also collaborate closely with other REACT international project partners (i.e., European Federation for Company Sport, European Students’ Union, Banque de France sports association, University of Copenhagen, Portuguese university sports association, and Bulgaria BeActive) and support knowledge exchange activities, including workshops and dissemination events. The position offers the opportunity to contribute to societally relevant research at the intersection of urban design, behavioural change, health, and active living, while helping shape practical interventions with real-world impact across Europe.
Job Requirements

• Motivated researcher, with a PhD in urban studies, public health, behavioural science, mobility studies, environmental psychology, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience with literature reviews, qualitative and/or quantitative research methods, and impact assessment research.
• Ability to conduct high-quality academic research, reflected in demonstrable outputs such as scientific publications.
• Experience with interdisciplinary and international collaboration is an advantage.
• A team player who enjoys working in a dynamic interdisciplinary environment and collaborating with academic and societal partners.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to independently manage research tasks and deliverables.
• Excellent (written and verbal) proficiency in English, good communication and leadership skills.

Conditions of Employment A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Parttime employment, 0,1 FTE, 1 year.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. € 4,241 max. € 5,538).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and a compensation for moving expenses.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!
About us We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community. Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here. Sustainability, in its broadest definition, is the cornerstone of research and education in the Department of Built Environment. We take the lead in (re)shaping the built environment to be future-proof, safe, healthy, inclusive and respectful of planetary boundaries. We house the entire spectrum of technology, engineering, design, and human behavior disciplines in the built environment, with world-class experimental facilities at all scales. This allows us to address societal challenges from a uniquely integrated perspective.
Information Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Dena Kasraian, Assistant professor, d.kasraian@tue.nl. Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact HRServices.BE@tue.nl. Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.
Application We invite you to submit a complete application using the apply-button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.
• List of up to five self-selected ‘best publications’.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. Please note that incomplete applications may not be considered and could be rejected. We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.
Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

Type of employment: temporary position | Contract type: part-time | Number of positions: 1 | Full-time equivalent: 0.1 FTE | City: Eindhoven | County: Noord-Brabant | Country: Netherlands | Reference number: 2026/282 | Published: 2026-05-13 | Last application date: 2026-05-27