Postdoc position in Children’s Active Mobility and Urban Environments
ACTIVATE investigates the social, environmental, and behavioural factors that influence children’s and youth’s mobility choices through a social-ecological lens. The project explores how built environments, mobility policies, interpersonal relationships (e.g., peers and parents), and personal attitudes shape decisions to walk, cycle, or use other active modes of travel across different life stages, from early childhood to adolescence. Will you join the team as a postdoctoral researcher?
Your job
Conducted in Utrecht (Netherlands), London (UK), St. Pölten (Austria), and Sabadell (Spain), ACTIVATE captures diverse social and spatial contexts to understand how mobility patterns evolve. The project combines quantitative and qualitative methods to identify barriers and enablers of active mobility and to develop actionable strategies that promote inclusive, youth-friendly, and sustainable urban environments aligned with the 15-Minute City concept.
At Utrecht University, you will contribute to three key components of the project:
- Survey research: designing, coordinating, and analysing a household survey among families with children and youth in four European cities. The survey will examine how household structure, social demographics, and neighbourhood design influence walking and cycling behaviour.
- Qualitative fieldwork: conducting and analysing walk-, scooter-, and bike-along interviews with young children (aged 4-6) and their caregivers in Utrecht to explore how they perceive and experience their mobility environments.
- Co-creation workshops: working with municipalities, schools, and community partners to co-design and test strategies that foster active mobility among children and youth. These workshops will help translate research findings into practical, context-sensitive policy and design recommendations.
Through this combination of methods, you play a pivotal role in linking household-level data with lived experiences and participatory insights, contributing to evidence-based interventions that support healthier, more inclusive cities for younger generations.
Your qualities
- You hold a PhD in Human Geography, Urban Studies, Transport Planning, Sociology, Anthropology, or a related discipline.
- You have experience with both quantitative survey research (design, implementation, and analysis) and qualitative, participatory methods (e.g. walk-along interviews, co-creation workshops).
- You have experience with or interest in co-creation or participatory workshops involving societal stakeholders such as schools, municipalities, or community organisations.
- You have a strong interest in children’s and youth mobility, including factors shaping their active travel choices, inclusive urban design, and social inclusion.
- You have strong analytical skills and proficiency with research software such as R, SPSS and NVivo.
- You have an excellent command of English for collaboration, publication and dissemination within an international research consortium. Dutch proficiency (or willingness to acquire it) is required for engagement with children, caregivers and local partners.
- You are able to work independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary, cross-national teams.
Our offer
- A position for 36 months;
- a working week of 32-40 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3,546 and €5,538 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 10 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
- 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
- a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.
In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.
About us
A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.
Utrecht University’s Faculty of Geosciences
studies the Earth: from the Earth’s core to its surface, including man’s spatial and material utilisation of the Earth – always with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With 3,400 students (BSc and MSc) and 720 staff, the faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The Faculty of Geosciences is organised in four Departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development.
More information
For more information about this position, please contact Dr Dea van Lierop at d.s.vanlierop@uu.nl.
Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.
Apply now
As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.
To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation, indicating how ACTIVATE’s goals align with your research interests and experience, via the 'apply now' button.
The application deadline is 30 November 2025.
